Cricket legend Yuvraj Singh, known for his explosive batting and crucial all-round performances, has revealed a surprising take on his playing days — he believes he could have been an even better cricketer had he taken up golf during his career.
With over 10,000 international runs, nearly 150 wickets, two ICC World Cup trophies, and a Player of the Tournament award in the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj’s achievements are already remarkable. However, the former Indian all-rounder recently shared that golf could have helped him extend his peak and improve his game further.
Golf as a Mental and Physical Game-Changer
Speaking at an event, Yuvraj told the Times of India that golf offers more than just a break from routine — it helps athletes relax, recover, and refresh mentally.
“I would have scored 3,000 more runs if I had taken up golf during my playing days,” said Yuvraj.
He explained that in countries like Australia, South Africa, and England, top cricketers often play golf from a young age. Rather than over-practicing cricket, many elite players turn to golf as a way to mentally rejuvenate during long tours.
“You can’t change something in a game in three days,” he added. “But how can you recover and be mentally fresh for a game? That’s where golf comes in.”
According to Yuvraj, golf isn’t just a hobby but a tool that can enhance performance across all sports by helping athletes stay mentally sharp and physically less stressed.
Encouraging the Next Generation to Tee Off
Yuvraj has also started passing on this belief to the next generation of Indian cricketers. He revealed that he has encouraged his two mentees, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, to take up golf.
“I have told them to play golf and I encourage them to play,” Yuvraj said. “It’s very hard to find time, but I think the IPL is a good time for them to actually find time and hit some balls.”
While he acknowledged that it’s ultimately up to the players to decide how they want to unwind and improve, he strongly recommended golf as a way to maintain both mental well-being and on-field performance.
“They are superstars of the game now. If golf can be something that helps them, they have to decide that. But I encourage all athletes to play golf — it’s great for the mind and for recovery.”
Even after retiring from professional cricket, Yuvraj has stayed active in sports. Now 43, he has taken up golf seriously and continues to stay connected with cricket. Most recently, he featured in the 2025 World Championship of Legends, showing that while his cricket days may be behind him, his sporting journey is far from over.
