Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has publicly apologised to two of Indian cricket’s most iconic captains, Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, distancing himself from controversial remarks made by his father Yograj Singh.Speaking on a podcast, Yuvraj addressed the issue directly, making it clear that he does not endorse the comments. “I would like to apologise to Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni for these comments,” he told Sports Tak, adding that he had also spoken to his father about it. “I told dad, it’s not okay,” Yuvraj said, admitting he felt uncomfortable hearing Yograj’s interviews.Expanding on his stance, Yuvraj added, “Kapil was a great player and captain for India. I don’t know what the issue was between him and my father. I have played with MS Dhoni and have always expressed my relationship with him. But what my dad has said about him — I told him, ‘it’s not okay’. It reflects on me as I have played with him.”ALSO READ: Yuvraj Singh reveals what ‘stood out’ in Gautam Gambhir’s coaching styleHe further stressed his disapproval, saying, “I told him I would appreciate it if he didn’t say these things, whatever the reasons. I sincerely would like to apologise to both of them. And they also know that those words are not mine. As cricketers, I have huge respect for them for whatever they have done for the country.”Yuvraj, one of the main architects of India’s triumphs in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, played a pivotal role during an era dominated by stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Dhoni. Reflecting on his current relationship with Yograj, Yuvraj said the dynamic between them has evolved over time. “We now try to interact more as father and son, rather than the earlier dynamic of coach and ward. It’s an interesting phase in my life,” he said.“We discuss a lot about past and present cricketers and often argue — but it’s all in good humour,” he added, signalling a more balanced and personal equation with his father even amid public disagreements.Yograj’s explosive claims on Kapil and DhoniYograj Singh, a former India cricketer and coach, has frequently courted controversy with his remarks about former players. In one of his most startling claims, he alleged that he once went to Kapil Dev’s house with a pistol after being dropped from the team in the 1980s.“When Kapil Dev became captain… he dropped me for no reason,” Yograj said, recalling the incident. He claimed he confronted Kapil and even threatened him, saying he refrained only because Kapil’s mother was present.Yograj has also been sharply critical of Dhoni, at one point accusing him of “ruining” Yuvraj’s career by not backing him for a longer period in international cricket. “I won’t forgive MS Dhoni… what he did to my son is unforgivable,” he had said, while also alleging that Yuvraj could have played for several more years.His criticism extended further, with sweeping remarks about how players were treated during his time and even raising old match-fixing allegations involving past cricketers, including Kapil.However, in a surprising shift ahead of IPL 2026, Yograj struck a more conciliatory tone towards Dhoni, praising his longevity and discipline. “I admire him… he should keep playing for another 10 years,” Yograj said, while also dismissing calls for Dhoni’s retirement.Yuvraj’s apology, however, has drawn a clear line, underlining his respect for both Kapil and Dhoni while seeking to move past the controversy triggered by his father’s statements.
