Yuvraj Singh brought down the curtains on his illustrious career as he announced his retirement from international cricket at a press conference in Mumbai on Monday.
In a decorated career spanning 19 years, the 37-year-old starred for India in two senior World Cup-winning campaigns – the inaugural 2007 World Twenty20 and 2011 World Cup. He had also won the Under-19 World Cup for India.
After making his debut at 18 years of age during the 2000 ICC KnockOut tournament in Kenya under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj went on emerge as an integral player in the ODI set up.
Yuvraj played 40 Tests, 304 ODIs and 58 T20Is for India. He put together 1900 runs in the longest format, and 8701 in the one-dayers, the format in which he enjoyed most success.
He was adjudged Player of the Tournament during the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa and when he struggled with form and injuries later on, he roared back by helping India win a historic ODI World Cup at home where he was the Player of the Series as well.
Yuvraj last featured for India during 2017 and had earlier saw the ongoing 2019 World Cup as the perfect way to end his career. But his opportunity never arrived. Earlier in May, the 37-year-old won the Indian Premier League title with Mumbai Indians.
Twitterati paid tribute in style to the all-rounder on his inspiring career:
What a fantastic career you have had Yuvi.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 10, 2019
You have come out as a true champ everytime the team needed you. The fight you put up through all the ups & downs on & off the field is just amazing. Best of luck for your 2nd innings & thanks for all that you have done for 🇮🇳 Cricket.🙌 pic.twitter.com/J9YlPs87fv
Congratulations on a wonderful career playing for the country paji. You gave us so many memories and victories and I wish you the best for life and everything ahead. Absolute champion. @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/LXSWNSQXog
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 10, 2019
Enjoy retirement Legend @YUVSTRONG12 🙌🏻 🏏 https://t.co/JM3Wgy3G24
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) June 10, 2019
Congratulations Prince @YUVSTRONG12 on a wonderful career. You were the best ever white ball cricketer India had. @BCCI should retire Number 12 jersey in the tribute to your career. Wish I could bat like you Champion #Yuvrajsinghretires #ThankYouYuvraj #ThankYouYuvi
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 10, 2019
JUST IN: Yuvraj Singh, Player of the Tournament at #CWC11, has announced his retirement from international cricket. pic.twitter.com/fqzEO1CnpH
— ICC (@ICC) June 10, 2019
The man who starred in India's 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup victories, @YUVSTRONG12 announces his retirement from International cricket.
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 10, 2019
What's your favourite #YuvrajSingh moment in international cricket? pic.twitter.com/7Bw5LnwOFG
Thanks for the entertainment @YUVSTRONG12, well played! Wish you all the best in your retired life https://t.co/X0YGeYcpaF
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 10, 2019
One of the greatest match-winners in the history of the game,a fighter who built an extraordinary career through difficult challenges & came out a winner every time-We all are so proud of you #YuvrajSingh , u can be very proud of what u have you done for our country @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/w4wUe31De0
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 10, 2019
Yuvi can. Yuvi did. Always.
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 10, 2019
Thank you, champion. International Cricket will miss a match winner like you 💙💙💙#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #SteppingOut #YuvrajSingh @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/xetSR10fE7
Made into team India at the young age of 19
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRai) June 10, 2019
Became the top performer in 2007 T20 WC
Hit 6 Sixes in a over
Fastest 50 in T20I
Became the Man of the tournament in 2011 WC
Fought cancer & defeated it
Came back stronger.
A fighter , a legend ! 👏#YuvrajSingh
What an innings Yuvi ❤️ India will forever remember this 😍 #YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/aax8Zm6Qmy
— Manak Gupta (@manakgupta) June 10, 2019
I started watching cricket because of yuvraj singh. That Hero Honda's bat....those sixes...catches...direct hits... Suddenly all became memories. We always miss THE NO.12 always.😭😭❤️❤️@YUVSTRONG12#yuvrajsingh pic.twitter.com/hAVvRmsFDA
— Ankit R. (@ankit_rr) June 10, 2019
Yuvraj Singh holds the distinction of being the only player to:
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) June 10, 2019
- Win the World Cup, T20 World Cup and U19 CWC
- To score 50+ in knockouts of all three World Cups.#ThankYouYuvraj
And #YuvrajSingh finishes things off in style!
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) June 10, 2019
The curtains come down on a remarkable career 🙌#ThankYouYuvraj #OrangeArmy #RiseWithUs @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/AHFtW9AHsq
#YuvrajSingh Forever pic.twitter.com/ZfH9PZ3VpN
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 10, 2019
Yuvraj Singh, one of India’s greatest ODI cricketers of all time, announces his international retirement!
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 10, 2019
It’s been a pleasure watching you take the field all these years, Yuvi! Thank you for the countless memories 👏👏#YuvrajSingh #ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals @YUVSTRONG12
1996: Player of the Series in U-15wc
— Chaitanya Shinde (@CVShinde07) June 10, 2019
2000: Player of the Series in U-19wc
2007: Player of the Series in t-20wc
2011: Player of the Series in WC#YuvrajSingh is the only player to play in all ICC world cup & won all of them. pic.twitter.com/wh1MwRpgMx
We are very lucky generation which saw you playing like king.
— Pappu Investor (@PappuYa56381635) June 10, 2019
No words to define you,
Just love you.
#YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/2Fhu4NxFzW
One of the most talented Indian batsmen...one of the biggest match-winners. Go well, Yuvraj Singh. May your second innings be as swashbuckling as the first one☺️🤗 #ThankYouYuvi
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 10, 2019