Yograj Singh Critiques MS Dhoni’s Leadership Amid Hookah Controversy

Yograj Singh, the father of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has publicly criticized MS Dhoni’s captaincy following the resurfacing of an interview featuring cricketer Irfan Pathan. The interview ignited discussions about Dhoni’s alleged hookah smoking habits and his treatment of players during his tenure as captain of the Indian national team.

In the interview, Pathan suggested that his departure from Team India was influenced by his experiences under Dhoni’s leadership, indirectly referencing the hookah controversy. His comments have since sparked a torrent of memes and reactions across social media platforms, further intensifying the scrutiny on Dhoni.

In a recent conversation with InsideSport, Yograj Singh expressed that the treatment of players extended beyond Pathan. He pointed out that prominent cricketers such as Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, and Harbhajan Singh also faced similar challenges during Dhoni’s captaincy. He accused Dhoni of harboring a guilty conscience regarding these issues.

Yograj Singh stated, “You see Gautam Gambhir speaking about it. Virender Sehwag openly said about it as well,” while questioning why Dhoni has not addressed these allegations. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among some former players who feel that Dhoni’s leadership style warrants further examination.

The controversy has also drawn criticism towards other cricketing legends. Yograj Singh did not hold back in his remarks about Kapil Dev and Bishan Singh Bedi, stating, “They have treated people like s**t.” He elaborated that the decisions made during their captaincy have adversely affected the careers of many players, asserting that the Indian cricket team has been compromised by these leadership choices.

While Dhoni has refrained from commenting on the situation, Pathan has responded to the discourse surrounding his remarks. He condemned a certain lobby for misrepresenting his comments regarding hookah smoking, which he made several years ago. This backlash followed the viral spread of a video in which Pathan discussed his exit from Team India, further fueling the debate about Dhoni’s personal habits and management style.

As the discussion unfolds, the cricket community continues to reflect on the impact of leadership decisions on players’ careers, raising important questions about accountability and the legacy of former captains. The ongoing dialogue highlights how the personal and professional choices of cricket legends can resonate far beyond the pitch.