“Virat Kohli had a big role in ending the career of Yuvraj Singh”

Former Team India opener Robin Uthappa has given a big statement alleging that former captain Virat Kohli played an important role in the end of the career of Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh.

Uthappa said that Yuvraj Singh, who wanted to return to the team after overcoming a serious disease like cancer, could not cement his place in the team under Kohli’s captaincy.

Virat Kohli did not compromise with Yuvraj Singh?

Robin Uthappa said in an interview that Virat Kohli did not give any concession to Yuvraj Singh to return to the team.

• Yuvraj had requested Kohli to lower the standards of the fitness test, but Kohli rejected it.
• Uthappa said:
  “Yuvi Pa had requested to reduce two points to return to the team, but Virat Kohli did not agree to this either.”

Yuvraj passed the fitness test and made it to the team, but due to poor performance he was soon dropped from the team.

“Yuvraj should have been entitled to concessions”: Uthappa

Robin Uthappa said players like Yuvraj Singh, who played a key role in India winning the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup, deserved special treatment.

• He said:
  “Yuvraj defeated not only the tournament but also a serious disease like cancer. Some leeway should have been given for such a person.”
• He raised the question that when the captain has the freedom to relax the rules a bit, then why was the same not done for Yuvraj?

The story of Yuvraj’s return and exit from the team

Uthappa said that Yuvraj Singh worked hard to return to the team after recovering from cancer.

• He passed the fitness test and made it to the team.
• However, his performance in the tournament was average, after which he was completely dropped from the team.
• After this, Yuvraj was not given a chance in the team again.

Questions on Virat Kohli’s captaincy

Uthappa took aim at Virat Kohli’s captaincy style, saying:
“Virat was the captain of the team at that time and had a strong personality. Every decision related to the team was taken according to him. It was his decision not to include Yuvraj in the team.”

He also said that the leadership group did not give proper time to Yuvraj to make a comeback and adopted a strict attitude regarding fitness standards.

Yuvraj’s contribution cannot be forgotten

Robin Uthappa recalls Yuvraj Singh’s contribution to Indian cricket, saying:

• “Yuvraj played an important role in winning two World Cups. He fought many battles on and off the field.”
• He also said that such a player should have been treated with more sympathy and respect.