Yuvraj Singh paid a moving tribute to Steve Smith following the Australian batter’s retirement from One Day Internationals on March 5. The former Indian all-rounder reminisced about their time together at Pune Warriors India in the IPL, noting how he had seen Smith’s hunger and determination at an early stage in his career.
Smith’s retirement from ODIs came one day after Australia’s agonizing defeat at the hands of India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal in Dubai. Throughout his 170-match career in ODIs, Smith scored 5,800 runs, with 12 hundreds and 35 half-centuries. He also came forward as Australia’s captain for the Champions Trophy with Pat Cummins’ absence, proving his leadership skills once again.
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Yuvraj Singh went on social media to share thoughts on Smith’s incredible journey, remembering when they were together at Pune Warriors in 2012. “Steve, I still recall that young boy who entered the Pune Warriors camp in 2012—starving to learn, craving to establish himself. To see you come from strength to strength, work on yourself to become one of the greats of the game, has been nothing short of unbelievable,” Yuvraj posted.
Steve, I still remember the young lad who walked into the Pune Warriors camp back in 2012—hungry to learn, eager to prove himself.
Watching you grow from strength to strength, shaping yourself into one of the greats of the game, has been nothing short of incredible.
From those… pic.twitter.com/1a2FVLUWDo
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) March 5, 2025
He continued to eulogize Smith’s accomplishments, saying, “From the early days to two World Cups, your career has been one of hard work and determination. Your contribution to the game is not measured in statistics—your fight, determination, and capacity to stand up in the largest of situations have turned you into a champion. As you bid adieu to ODIs, know that you have left a legacy that will motivate generations.”. Wishing you all the best for the future, mate!
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“Smith, who began as a leg-spinner, became one of the greatest batters of contemporary cricket. Though his supremacy in Tests is not questioned, he delivered some match-winning innings in ODIs too, such as a vital century during the 2019 World Cup semifinal against India.”. A central player in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup victories, the leadership ambitions of Smith were dashed following the notorious ball-tampering incident in 2018 that resulted in him being absent at the 2019 World Cup as a captain.
