In a recent podcast and interaction, the former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh opened up about his intriguing relationship with MS Dhoni, shedding light on pivotal moments during their time together on the cricket field. This revelation provides a unique glimpse into the camaraderie and challenges that existed between two cricketing stalwarts.
During the majority of Yuvraj Singh’s illustrious playing career, spanning memorable events like the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, MS Dhoni served as his captain. Yuvraj candidly shared, “Me and Mahi are not close friends. We were friends because of cricket, we played together.” He emphasized that their camaraderie was forged on the field, a result of shared dedication to representing their country.
As vice-captain with Dhoni at the helm, Yuvraj acknowledged the inevitable differences in decision-making. He stated, “When you are captain and vice-captain, there will be decision differences. Sometimes he made decisions I didn’t like, sometimes I made decisions he didn’t like. That happens in every team.”
Yuvraj Singh dropped a bombshell by revealing the fallout from his support of teammates during the infamous Greg Chappell saga in 2007. He disclosed that certain BCCI officials were displeased with him, leading to the unexpected turn of events. “I was supposed to be the captain,” Yuvraj revealed, recounting the events that unfolded before the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa.
The crux of the matter lay in the Chappell or Sachin debate, and Yuvraj found himself on the side of supporting his teammate. This principled stance, however, came at a cost. Yuvraj shared, “Some of the BCCI officials did not like that. It was said that they should make anybody the captain but not myself.”
Watch: MS Dhoni Fans Trolls Yuvraj Singh For His Interview Against MS Dhoni
Unexpectedly, Yuvraj Singh found himself removed from the vice-captaincy, and MS Dhoni assumed the captain’s role for the 2007 T20 World Cup. Yuvraj expressed his surprise, saying, “I thought I was going to be the captain.” Despite the setback, Yuvraj Singh harbors no regrets. “Today, if the same thing happens, I will still support my teammate,” he affirmed.
This what Yuvraj Singh said: “Me and Mahi are not close friends. We were friends because of cricket, we played together. My lifestyle was very different from him, so we were never close friends, we were only friends because of cricket. When me and Mahi went on the ground, we gave more than 100 percent to our country together. He was captain, I was vice-captain. When I came into the team, he was 4 years junior. When you are captain and vice-captain, there will be decision differences. Sometimes he made decisions I didn’t like, sometimes I made decisions he didn’t like. That happens in every team.
I was supposed to be the captain. Then the Greg Chappell incident happened. It had become Chappell or Sachin. I was probably the only player who supported…that I support my teammate. And there were a lot of people in the…Some of the BCCI officials did not like that. It was said that they should make anybody the captain but not myself. This is what I heard.
I am not sure how true it is. Suddenly from vice-captaincy I was removed. Sehwag was not there in the team. So, out of nowhere, Mahi (MS Dhoni) became captain for the 2007 T20 World Cup. I thought I was going to be the captain. Viru (Virender Sehwag) was senior but he was not on the England tour. I was the vice-captain of the ODI team while Rahul (Dravid) was the captain. So, I was supposed to be the captain. Obviously, it was a decision that went against me but I have no regrets about it. Today, if the same thing happens, I will still support my teammate.”
As with any revelation, opinions vary among fans. While some appreciate Yuvraj’s candor, others express discontent. One MS Dhoni fan voiced, “I respect cricketers who don’t discuss dressing room feuds in public. Ever. During playing days or after retirement.”
