Mumbai: Former Indian pacer Yograj Singh, never one to shy away from controversy, has ignited a fresh storm in the cricketing world with a scathing attack on Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.
In a candid interview on a YouTube channel, Yograj, father of former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, dismissed notions of camaraderie between his son and Kohli, labelling the latter, along with Dhoni and other teammates, as “backstabbers” who feared Yuvraj’s prodigious talent. The only player to escape his ire? The legendary Sachin Tendulkar, whom Yograj hailed as Yuvraj’s sole true friend.
Yograj’s remarks come in the context of Yuvraj’s tumultuous career, particularly his limited opportunities under Kohli’s captaincy in 2017. After MS Dhoni stepped down as India’s limited-overs skipper, Yuvraj, a two-time World Cup hero, played just three T20Is and 11 ODIs under Kohli before being axed from the team following the 2017 Champions Trophy. At the time, speculation about a close bond between Yuvraj and Kohli was rife, given their shared North Indian roots, vibrant personalities, and stints together at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2014. However, Yograj rubbished these claims, asserting that success, money and fame leave no room for genuine friendships in cricket.
“Where there’s success, money, and glory, there are no friends — only those who stab you in the back,” Yograj declared. “I told Yuvraj this long ago. Show me one true friend in that team.” He went on to single out Tendulkar as the exception, describing him as “the greatest player and a great human being” who treated Yuvraj like a brother and wished for everyone’s success.
Yograj’s most incendiary charge was that Yuvraj’s teammates, including Kohli and Dhoni, were intimidated by his exceptional talent, fearing he might overshadow them. “Everyone was scared of Yuvraj Singh because he was such a great player, created by God Himself,” Yograj said. “From Dhoni to others, they were all afraid he’d take their place.” This narrative aligns with Yograj’s long-standing criticism of Dhoni, whom he has previously accused of sidelining Yuvraj after the 2011 World Cup, where the all-rounder was named Player of the Tournament despite battling cancer.
The interview also touched on whether Kohli, as captain, could have done more to support Yuvraj’s comeback in 2017. Yograj’s response was unequivocal: “On the ladder of success, you’re alone. There are no friends, only those waiting to pull you down.” His comments have reignited debates about Yuvraj’s premature exit from international cricket at the age of 35, despite his proven match-winning prowess.
Yuvraj’s relationship with Tendulkar, however, remains a beacon of positivity. The two shared a deep bond, with Tendulkar visiting Yuvraj in London during his cancer treatment in 2012 and inspiring him throughout the 2011 World Cup. Yograj’s praise for Tendulkar underscores this enduring connection, contrasting sharply with his accusations against others.
The remarks have stirred a hornets’ nest among fans, with social media platforms buzzing with reactions. While some defend Kohli and Dhoni, citing their leadership and contributions to Indian cricket, others sympathise with Yograj’s perspective, pointing to Yuvraj’s undeniable talent and the challenges he faced post-recovery. As the cricketing fraternity grapples with these explosive claims, one thing is certain: Yograj Singh’s outspokenness continues to keep him— and his son’s legacy — in the spotlight.
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