Yograj Singh, the father of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has reignited a long-standing feud by once again criticizing decisions made during MS Dhoni's captaincy. While Yograj has, in the past, been a staunch critic of Dhoni, even softening his stance recently, his underlying resentment towards the former captain appears to remain. This latest outburst seems to stem from a deep-seated belief that Dhoni was responsible for curtailing Yuvraj's international career.
Yograj's primary accusation revolves around the notion that Dhoni deliberately sidelined Yuvraj, preventing him from playing for an additional four to five years after his battle with cancer. He alleges that Dhoni's actions, along with those of Virat Kohli later on, effectively ended Yuvraj's career prematurely. This is not the first time Yograj has voiced such sentiments. In the past, he has stated he would never forgive Dhoni for what he perceived as injustices against his son, asserting that Dhoni should "look at himself in the mirror."
This isn't solely about Yuvraj's career, according to Yograj. He has also, in the past, directed his ire towards Kapil Dev, India's 1983 World Cup-winning captain. He criticized Dev's achievements, suggesting that Yuvraj's accomplishments outweighed Kapil's legacy because Yuvraj had won 13 trophies while Kapil Dev only had the World Cup. He has also accused Kapil Dev of favoritism and manipulating team selections during his time.
Yograj's comments have sparked debate, especially considering the respect Dhoni commands in Indian cricket. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020 but continues to play in the Indian Premier League, is celebrated for his contributions as both a player and a leader. He captained India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, achievements in which Yuvraj Singh played a significant role.
Interestingly, despite his past criticisms, Yograj Singh had seemingly softened his stance towards MS Dhoni recently. He had praised Dhoni's fearless attitude and his ability to read the game, calling him a "very motivated captain." He even recalled a specific incident where Dhoni was hit on the grill by a Mitchell Johnson delivery in Australia but stood his ground and pulled the next ball for a six, highlighting Dhoni's mental fortitude.
However, this recent wave of renewed criticism suggests that Yograj's underlying resentment remains. His statement "We burnt whole house by standing for one person. Where is he?" indicates a feeling of betrayal and a belief that the support given to Dhoni came at the expense of other players, particularly his son. It's a complex situation, fueled by parental protectiveness and a perceived injustice that continues to rankle Yograj Singh, regardless of any temporary appeasement. This ongoing saga highlights the intense emotions and personal connections that often lie beneath the surface of the professional world of cricket.