Yuvraj Singh retires: Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar pay tribute to India's ultimate match-winner

Eight years after he prevented cancer from dictating his life choices, a tearful Yuvraj Singh Monday brought the curtains down on a roller-coaster international career, the pinnacle of which was his exploits in India's 2011 World Cup triumph. Tall, willowy and ethereal, his unlimited talent and charisma made him a limited overs legend, but he will walk into the sunset feeling he has not done enough in Tests. The Punjabi southpaw, though, tried repeatedly to turn back time before calling it quits. "After 25 years, in and around 22 yards, and after almost 17 years of international cricket on and off, I have decided to move on. Cricket has given me everything and is the reason why I stand here today," the 37-year-old said addressing the media in the extravagant interiors of a star hotel that quite resembled his flamboyant batting.

"I was extremely lucky to play 400 games for India. I could have never imagined it when I first started playing cricket," he added. The explosive batter said he now wants to "enjoy life" and pursue a freelance career in T20 leagues internationally, pending BCCI permission. But he will no longer be seen in the Indian Premier League.  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 the most success. His one-day runs tally places him 22nd in the overall list and seventh among Indians. A useful left-arm spinner, Yuvraj picked up 111 ODI wickets at an average of 36.55. Here is a sample of the tweets.

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What a fantastic career you have had Yuvi.
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

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 10, 2019

We will miss you on the cricket ground 👊🏽🇮🇳 #Yuvrajsingh pic.twitter.com/3k3j8oAEEq

— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) June 10, 2019

Players will come and go,but players like @YUVSTRONG12 are very rare to find. Gone through many difficult times but thrashed disease,thrashed bowlers & won hearts. Inspired so many people with his fight & will-power. Wish you the best in life,Yuvi #YuvrajSingh. Best wishes always pic.twitter.com/sUNAoTyNa8

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) 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

And #YuvrajSingh finishes things off in style!

The curtains come down on a remarkable career 🙌#ThankYouYuvraj #OrangeArmy #RiseWithUs @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/AHFtW9AHsq

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) June 10, 2019

The man who fought obstacles on and off the field. You are more than just 6 sixes and World Cups. ♥

We are not crying, YOU ARE! 😔#ThankYouYuvraj #YuvrajSingh #SaddaPunjab @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/2aHXoABFrd

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) June 10, 2019

That NatWest series final, those six sixes, and the World Cup! Etched in my memory forever. Thank you for the advice, support, and above all, the inspiration @YUVSTRONG12 You will be missed. #YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/MfTWYPA01B

— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) June 10, 2019

We thank our very own Yuvi (@YUVSTRONG12) for 19 glorious years of Indian cricket. Your dedication, fierce loyalty and fighting spirit have been an inspiration for India.

We wish you the very best for your future. Your legacy lives on.#YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/xGoNgunIU3

— Youth Congress (@IYC) June 10, 2019

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

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

Yuvraj Singh announced his retirement from all forms of cricket and it brought an end to his brilliant 17-year international career. During his career, Yuvraj has been part of so many memorable moments that Indian cricket fans would have lost count. Apart from his exploits on the grand stage, Yuvraj was excellent with the bat, ball and on the field. The left-hander also overcame some tough moments in his life, notably his fight against cancer during the 2011 World Cup. However, he bounced back and he has sealed his legacy as India’s ultimate match-winner.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Yuvraj Singh made his debut in 2000 in the Champions Trophy.
• Yuvraj Singh hit six sixes in one over of Stuart Broad.
• Yuvraj Singh won the Man of the series in the 2011 World Cup.