Yograj Singh Slams Kohli: “He Backstabbed Yuvraj, Feared His Comeback
The cricketing world, usually abuzz with on-field performances, was jolted by off-field fireworks when former India cricketer Yograj Singh launched a scathing attack on Virat Kohli. In an explosive remark, Yograj, father of 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh, accused Kohli of being a “backstabber” who feared his son’s presence in the team. His comments have reignited debates over dressing-room politics and the treatment of senior players during Kohli’s captaincy era.
The Allegations
Yograj Singh, never known to mince words, directly targeted Kohli, alleging that the former India captain deliberately sidelined Yuvraj Singh despite his contributions to Indian cricket. He claimed Kohli was insecure about Yuvraj’s talent and influence in the dressing room. According to Yograj, this insecurity led to unfair treatment and ultimately hindered Yuvraj’s later years in international cricket.
The sharp remarks included phrases like “backstabber” and “scared of Yuvraj Singh,” highlighting the bitterness that continues to linger even years after Yuvraj’s retirement.
A History of Tension
This is not the first time Yograj Singh has criticized prominent Indian cricketers. In the past, he has accused former captains and selectors of sidelining Yuvraj at various points in his career. Yuvraj himself has often maintained a more measured stance, choosing gratitude for his opportunities over direct criticism. However, Yograj’s fresh attack has brought old controversies back into the spotlight.
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most successful captains and arguably the modern era’s biggest batting icon, led the national team during a period when many senior players phased out. Under his leadership, India embraced a new, fitness-first culture, which saw some veterans struggling to keep pace. Critics of Kohli’s captaincy have sometimes alleged favoritism and selective backing of players, but such accusations have always remained largely speculative.
The Yuvraj Factor
Yuvraj Singh, adored by millions for his heroic knocks in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, had a stop-start career plagued by injuries and health battles, including his fight against cancer. His comeback to the national side after recovery was inspirational, but consistency proved elusive in the highly competitive environment.
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Yograj’s remarks suggest he believes Yuvraj deserved a longer run and greater support from the leadership. For fans who still hold Yuvraj’s contributions close to their hearts, these allegations strike a raw nerve.
Fans and Experts React
As expected, social media erupted soon after Yograj’s comments surfaced. Supporters of Virat Kohli dismissed the remarks as baseless and rooted in personal frustration, pointing to Kohli’s track record of backing multiple players throughout his tenure. Others, particularly Yuvraj loyalists, echoed Yograj’s sentiments, arguing that the left-handed all-rounder never received the farewell or recognition his career warranted.
Former cricketers and analysts, however, remained cautious, emphasizing the need to respect both stalwarts’ contributions rather than fueling personal conflicts. Many highlighted that team selection is a collective decision, involving coaches and selectors, not just the captain.
The Larger Debate
The episode has once again opened up the larger conversation around how Indian cricket transitions between generations. The shift from seniors like Yuvraj, Sehwag, and Gambhir to the current era of Rohit Sharma, Kohli, and younger stars was not without friction. Questions of fairness, favoritism, and respect for veterans have long haunted such transitions, and Yograj’s words have brought them back into focus.
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Conclusion
Whether Yograj Singh’s remarks hold weight or stem from lingering personal grievances is a matter of interpretation. What remains undeniable, however, is that both Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh have etched their names in Indian cricketing history in their own ways. Kohli stands as one of the most prolific batsmen of all time, while Yuvraj is immortalized as a match-winner who delivered when India needed him most.
The fresh controversy may fade in time, but it reminds fans that behind the glory of cricketing triumphs often lie stories of rivalry, insecurity, and unspoken bitterness.
