MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh (X) Yuvraj Singh candidly explained how captaincy decisions can often defy expectations, recalling the moment MS Dhoni was named India’s captain “out of nowhere” despite several higher options in the side and he was the vice-captain and next in line to become the captain. In the Sports Tak podcast, Yuvraj used an example to discuss the recent captaincy debates, particularly that Abhishek Sharma was not given the leadership duties in Pat Cummins’ absence, with Ishan Kishan taking over instead. Yuvraj admitted that such decisions can be difficult from a player’s point of view, especially for those who have contributed consistently over the years. “It’s disappointing. I love Ishan Kishan. I’ve seen his growth in Indian cricket as well, his comeback too.” If I give you an example, switch it from a player’s point of view – say Abhishek Sharma came into the team before the World Cup, won his state team, scored a hundred in the final, came into the World Cup team, Abhishek scored runs and became the captain of the franchise. On the other hand, Ishan Kishan, playing seven years for one franchise, performed, heart and soul for the franchise and then the national captain, he will not get the captaincy, he will get the vice-captaincy. The mood in which the franchise is playing cricket now – a bit disappointing.” Drawing on his own experience, Yuvraj pointed out how unexpected management challenges have always been a part of Indian cricket. “But the good thing is that he is well-connected. For example, when I was in the Indian team, Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag were seniors, I was the vice-captain, but out of nowhere MS Dhoni comes and becomes the captain. Whatever the reasons – franchise cricket does not decide whether you will captain India. But from a player’s point of view, it means a lot of disappointment for you.” In 2007, India had some experienced names in contention for the leadership. However, Dhoni was given the responsibility, a move that surprised many in the team, including Yuvraj himself, who was the vice-captain of the ODI side at the time and was tipped to take over the leadership role. The decision, though unexpected at the time, went on to redefine Indian cricket. Dhoni led a young Indian side to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, starting one of the most successful captaincy tenures in the country’s history. Yuvraj, who was then vice-captain in the ODI line-up, remained a key figure in Dhoni’s leadership era. He played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 and later became the player of the tournament in the 2011 ODI World Cup, underscoring the success of this bold leadership.
