Rashid Khan salutes former Sunrisers Hyderabad colleague Yuvraj Singh on his retirement

India’s dashing left-arm cricketer Yuvraj Singh decided to hang up his boots on Monday and it left all those who know the cricketer shocked. One of the most gifted cricketers India has produced, Yuvraj donned the national jersey for 17 years starting since 2000 and eventually decided that it is time to move on. His decision also came when India are playing in the cricket World Cup in England and Wales. It was in the edition before the last one that Yuvraj was adjudged the man of the series for his consistent show in the tournament that India won.

Afghanistan’s sensational spinner Rashid Khan, who is also busy playing the World Cup at the moment, also spoke out like several others on Yuvraj’s retirement call. The 20-year-old, who so far hasn’t had a great maiden World Cup so far, expressed his admiration for the just-turned-former Indian cricketer in a tweet.

The 20-year-old though has never played Yuvraj Singh in an international match but played alongside him for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, said: “Your strength & belief on and off the field is truly inspiring. The players, the fans, the difference you have made & the game itself will miss you a lot. You will always remain an inspiration.”

Yuvraj is not only remembered for his fluent big-hitting and influencing the game with his bowling but also for his brave tale of defeating cancer. He underwent treatment in the United States for the deadly ailment and made the impossible look possible by returning to the 22 yards again and play for India. His last international hundred came in January 2017, a few months before he played his final match for the country.

Afghanistan hope Rashid Khan plays against SA

Rashid did not bowl against New Zealand after he was hit in his head. Afghanistan have lost all three games they have played so far and will meet South Africa next in Cardiff on June 15. It will be a big game for both teams since both are lagging at the bottom of the table with no win. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib said Rashid, who has taken three wickets in two matches so far, should be fit for the game against the Proteas.