Yuvraj Singh, the cricketing legend who played a crucial role in India’s two World Cup victories, remains a beloved figure in Indian cricket. However, his father, Yograj Singh, has never shied away from expressing his deep resentment towards former Indian captain MS Dhoni. In a recent interview, Yograj once again voiced his frustrations, accusing Dhoni of ending Yuvraj’s career prematurely and demanding that Yuvraj be honored with the Bharat Ratna.
Yograj Singh’s Grievances Against MS Dhoni
Yograj Singh has been vocal about his belief that Dhoni played a significant role in cutting short Yuvraj’s cricketing journey. In an interview on a YouTube channel, Yograj expressed his anger, saying, “MS Dhoni is a great cricketer, and I respect his skills. But as a person, I will never forgive him for what he did to my son.” According to Yograj, Dhoni’s actions deprived Yuvraj of at least four more years of cricket, which he believes Yuvraj deserved.
Yograj’s Call for Bharat Ratna for Yuvraj Singh
Yograj Singh didn’t stop at criticizing Dhoni; he also emphasized the need to recognize Yuvraj’s contributions to Indian cricket. He stated that Yuvraj, who battled cancer during the 2011 World Cup and still emerged as the Player of the Tournament, should be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Yograj passionately added, “I challenge anyone to produce a son like Yuvraj Singh. India should honor him for his sacrifices and achievements.”
Yuvraj’s Battle with Cancer and Career Comeback
Yuvraj Singh’s battle with cancer during the 2011 World Cup is well-known. Despite his illness, he played a pivotal role in India’s World Cup victory, contributing with both bat and ball. After the World Cup, Yuvraj underwent treatment for cancer and made a remarkable comeback to international cricket in September 2012. However, his performances were inconsistent, and he couldn’t recapture his previous form.
Yuvraj and Dhoni: A Professional Relationship
Interestingly, Yuvraj himself has acknowledged that his relationship with Dhoni was strictly professional. In a candid interview on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Yuvraj admitted, “Mahi and I were not close friends. We were friends because of cricket, but our lifestyles were very different.” This revelation adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting that while they shared many memorable moments on the field, their off-field relationship was not particularly close.
Memorable Partnerships: Yuvraj and Dhoni on the Field
Yuvraj and Dhoni have shared the crease in some of Indian cricket’s most iconic moments. During the 2007 T20 World Cup, Yuvraj famously hit six sixes in an over, with Dhoni at the other end. In the 2011 ODI World Cup final, Dhoni’s match-winning six was celebrated with Yuvraj by his side. Despite these moments of camaraderie on the field, their relationship off the field remained distant, according to Yuvraj.
The Decline of Yuvraj’s International Career
After his comeback, Yuvraj struggled with form and consistency. Following the 2014 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy, Yuvraj found himself out of favor with the selectors. He was notably absent from the squad for the 2015 ODI World Cup, a decision that led to further criticism from Yograj Singh towards Dhoni. Despite continuing to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Yuvraj couldn’t replicate his earlier success and eventually retired from international cricket in June 2019.
A Legacy Remembered
Yuvraj Singh’s cricketing journey, filled with triumphs and challenges, remains etched in the memories of cricket fans. His contributions to Indian cricket, especially his heroics in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, have solidified his place as one of India’s greatest cricketers. Yograj Singh’s criticisms of Dhoni may be a reflection of a father’s deep-rooted emotions, but they also bring attention to Yuvraj’s extraordinary achievements, which continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
