Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has opened up about the confusion and lack of communication he faced towards the end of his international career, revealing how MS Dhoni helped him gain clarity during a difficult phase.
Speaking about his exit from the Indian team, Yuvraj said there was “zero clarity” from the management regarding his future. He noted that neither captain Virat Kohli nor the coaching staff clearly communicated why he was no longer being considered.
“I was stuck. I was 36-37 and didn’t know what to do. I felt I deserved some respect for what I had contributed,” Yuvraj said.
It was Dhoni, despite not being captain at the time, who offered him an honest perspective. “I spoke to MS Dhoni on the phone and he gave me the right clarity. He told me the selectors were no longer looking at me,” Yuvraj revealed.
He also recalled being indirectly pushed towards retirement after being told he might not clear the fitness tests. However, Yuvraj stood firm on his stance.
“I was told I wouldn’t pass the fitness test and should retire. I said retirement is my decision—whether you play me or not is yours,” he added.
Yuvraj, who made his debut in 2000, retired from all forms of cricket in 2019 after an illustrious career spanning 398 international matches and over 11,000 runs.
He played a crucial role in India’s victories in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, where he was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding all-round performance.
Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest match-winners, Yuvraj’s legacy includes his explosive batting, handy bowling, and exceptional fielding that helped shape several iconic moments in Indian cricket history.