Yograj Singh on MS Dhoni: He destroyed the life of my son Yuvraj Singh
In a recent interview, Yograj Singh, father of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, unleashed another wave of criticism against MS Dhoni, accusing him of derailing Yuvraj’s cricket career. Yograj’s comments, delivered during an appearance on Zee Switch’s YouTube channel, highlighted his enduring grievances against Dhoni and other notable figures in Indian cricket. According to Yograj, Dhoni’s actions significantly impacted Yuvraj’s career, particularly during a time when his son was battling cancer.
Yuvraj Singh is widely regarded as one of India’s greatest cricketing talents, with numerous accolades under his belt, including a pivotal role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory. However, his father remains outspoken about the challenges Yuvraj faced, asserting that he could have extended his career by four to five years if not for what he describes as deliberate moves by Dhoni. Yograj claims that Yuvraj, despite his heroic battle with cancer, was deprived of the chance to continue representing India at the highest level due to decisions made by Dhoni.
Yograj Singh’s criticisms of Dhoni are not new, but they have taken on a renewed intensity. He argued that Dhoni’s decisions had a lasting negative impact on Yuvraj’s career, preventing him from achieving even greater success. Yograj, known for his blunt and unfiltered statements, didn’t mince words as he called out Dhoni, suggesting that the former Indian captain should reflect on his actions. According to Yograj, Dhoni’s choices were not only detrimental to Yuvraj but also unfair to a player who had contributed significantly to Indian cricket while fighting a personal battle against cancer.
In his tirade, Yograj also took aim at another legendary figure in Indian cricket, Kapil Dev. He criticized Kapil for allegedly plotting against him in the 1980s, leading to his exclusion from the Indian cricket team. Yograj pointed out the disparity in their achievements, noting that while Kapil has only one World Cup win to his name, Yuvraj has amassed 13 major trophies. This comparison was meant to underscore what Yograj perceives as a lack of recognition for his son’s contributions and the sacrifices he made during his career.
The elder Singh went on to argue that Yuvraj deserves the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, for his contributions to Indian cricket. He emphasized that Yuvraj’s accomplishments, especially in the 2011 World Cup, were achieved despite his severe health challenges, making them even more remarkable. Yograj’s call for the Bharat Ratna reflects his belief that Yuvraj’s cricketing achievements, coupled with his resilience in the face of adversity, make him a deserving candidate for such an honor.
Yograj’s remarks have sparked discussions within the cricketing community and among fans, with opinions divided on his assessment of Dhoni and Kapil Dev’s roles in Yuvraj’s career. Some see his comments as a father’s frustration over what he perceives as the mistreatment of his son, while others view them as unwarranted attacks on two of India’s most revered cricketing figures.
Despite the controversy, Yuvraj Singh’s legacy in Indian cricket remains intact. His contributions to the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup are celebrated, and he is remembered as one of the sport’s greatest match-winners. However, Yograj’s comments serve as a reminder of the complexities and behind-the-scenes dynamics that often accompany a cricketer’s career, particularly in a cricket-crazy nation like India.
As the debate continues, it is clear that Yograj Singh’s strong opinions will keep these issues in the spotlight. Whether his calls for recognition and justice for Yuvraj will lead to any concrete outcomes remains to be seen, but his latest outburst has certainly added another chapter to the ongoing discourse surrounding Indian cricket’s past and its icons.