Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that Yograj Singh’s allegations against MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli regarding his son Yuvraj are baseless to a large extent. Recently, Yograj has blamed Dhoni, Kohli and Team India selectors for betraying Yuvraj.
“Along with these two [Dhoni and Kohli], I would say that even the selectors betrayed him. I had met Ravi recently. He asked me for a photograph. I called him and pointed out that all great players should get a send-off based on their performances. When Dhoni, Kohli or Rohit retire, I would request the board to give them a good send-off as they have done so much for Indian cricket. Many have backstabbed him and it hurts,” Yograj had said.
One of the finest white-ball cricketers of his generation, Yuvraj played his last game for the Indian team on June 30, 2017, in an ODI against the West Indies. He hung his boots on June 10, 2019.
Dhoni needed more freedom: Mohammad Kaif
“I don’t think that Yuvi’s father’s allegation is true. But yes, Yuvi is a shorter format cricket champion, he should have got more opportunity. But in India, if a player lost his form for few matches then it’s not easy to save the spot. Because many talented players are waiting to enter Team India,” Kaif was quoted as saying in Helo App.
Kaif, who played 13 Tests and 125 ODIs for India, lauded Dhoni and said that the veteran stumper needed some freedom to make choices relating to team selection. Kaif was clear cut in saying that Dhoni didn’t resort to tactics like ‘favouritism’.
“Dhoni is the most successful white-ball cricket captain. He deserves some freedom to select his own team. You can question him when he fails to deliver. But his records are spectacular. He won many trophies for India. So, the selectors will give the freedom and values his suggestions. It will not become favouritism,” he added.
Dhoni took over as Team India captain in the 2007 edition of the T20 World Cup. He tasted immediate success in South Africa and was soon given the mantle in ODI and Test cricket as well. From there, the Ranchi-born cricketer didn’t look back. He not only flourished as the captain but also piled on runs with authority. After retiring from Test cricket in 2014, he gave up ODI and T20I leadership at the start of 2017.
