Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has publicly apologized to cricket legends MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev. He addressed years of controversial statements made by his father, Yograj Singh, against the two iconic captains. Yuvraj made his apology in a teaser for an upcoming podcast, clearly distancing himself from his father's long-standing criticisms.[timesnownews+2]
Yograj Singh's Long-Standing Criticisms
Yuvraj Singh's father, Yograj Singh, has frequently made headlines for his strong remarks. For years, he accused MS Dhoni of being responsible for Yuvraj's exclusion from the Indian cricket team. Yograj also blamed Dhoni for affecting the later stages of Yuvraj's career.He claimed Dhoni denied Yuvraj the chance to lead Team India.These comments against Dhoni have been consistent, often repeating the same accusations in various ways over time.[timesnownews+6]
Yograj Singh's criticism extended to Kapil Dev, India's first ODI World Cup-winning captain. Yograj, a former cricketer himself, claimed Kapil Dev dropped him from the national side in the early 1980s without valid reason.He alleged that Kapil's influence led to his removal from the team.In one particularly explosive claim, Yograj revealed he once confronted Kapil Dev at his home with a pistol out of frustration.He also made sweeping remarks about how players were treated during his time and even raised old match-fixing allegations involving past cricketers, including Kapil.Yograj stated he only refrained from violence because Kapil's mother was present.He said he abused Kapil a dozen times during this confrontation.Yograj later decided not to play cricket and focused on making his son, Yuvraj, a cricketer.[sundayguardianlive+11]
Yuvraj Takes a Clear Stand
Yuvraj Singh had largely remained silent on his father's controversial remarks for many years. However, he decided to address the issue directly in the Sports Tak podcast teaser.He expressed regret for the negativity that stemmed from his father's comments.Yuvraj emphasized that he does not share his father's views.[timesnownews+5]
"I would like to apologise to Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni for these comments," Yuvraj said in the teaser.He also confirmed that he has spoken to his father about the statements."I told dad, it's not okay," Yuvraj stated, admitting he felt uncomfortable hearing Yograj's interviews.He explained that such remarks reflect on him personally, given his long association with both players.[timesnownews+9]
Yuvraj reiterated his deep respect for both cricketers. He highlighted their immense contributions to Indian cricket."Kapil was a great player and captain for India," Yuvraj said. "I don't know what the issue was between him and my father."Regarding Dhoni, Yuvraj stated, "I have played with MS Dhoni and have always expressed my relationship with him. But what my dad has said about him — I told him, 'it's not okay'." He also added that he urged his father to refrain from making such comments in the future. Yuvraj believes both Kapil and Dhoni understand that his father's words do not represent his own thoughts.[news+5]
Impact and Moving Forward
Yuvraj Singh's public apology marks a significant attempt to draw a clear line between his own views and those of his father. His statement aims to bring closure to a long-standing controversy that has often divided the cricketing community. By issuing a direct apology, Yuvraj has reaffirmed his respect for two of India's most celebrated captains.[news+3]
The former all-rounder, a key architect of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, played many of his biggest career moments under Dhoni's captaincy. He once revealed that Dhoni provided him clarity about his role in 2017, informing him that the team management was not looking at him for future plans. This conversation helped Yuvraj decide to retire in 2019. This shows a professional relationship that contrasts sharply with his father's accusations.[news+4]
Yuvraj also noted that the dynamic with his father has evolved over time. "We now try to interact more as father and son, rather than the earlier dynamic of coach and ward," he said. He added that they discuss past and present cricketers and often argue, but it is "all in good humour." This signals a more balanced and personal equation, even amid public disagreements. Yuvraj's apology highlights his intention to move forward, focusing on respect for his former teammates and captains.[timesofindia+1]
