Former selector falsifies Yograj Singh’s claims, says MS Dhoni never interfered in dropping Yuvraj Singh from Indian team

Former India cricketer and selector Sandeep Patil has firmly defended MS Dhoni amid longstanding allegations made by Yograj Singh regarding the exclusion of his son and veteran all-rounder Yuvraj Singh from the Indian team. Dhoni and Yuvraj shared several memorable partnerships for the Men in Blue and were instrumental in many of the side’s biggest victories.

However, after their playing days, tensions surfaced when Yograj repeatedly accused Dhoni of playing a role in Yuvraj’s omission from the national side. The claims sparked debate among fans and created a narrative that overshadowed the duo’s on-field camaraderie. 

“That man has ruined my son’s life, who could have played for four to five more years… there will never be another Yuvraj Singh,” Yograj famously said.

Patil, who served as the Indian team’s chief selector between 2012 and 2016, has now addressed the controversy and categorically denied Dhoni’s involvement in the decision-making process. The legendary opening batter stated that the Indian captain never asked selectors to drop Yuvraj, or anyone else, from the team.

“Not once, not during selection meetings, not on tour, not during matches, did Mahendra Singh Dhoni say drop Yuvraj Singh. I am going on the record. He had total confidence in the selection committee. He didn’t say anything,” Patil was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

Meanwhile, Yograj has been very vocal about Dhoni and his role in dropping his son from the Indian team. On many occasions Yograj has put blame on the former Indian captain. Responding to Yograj’s strong comments, Patil acknowledged the emotional perspective of a father but insisted that the criticism directed at Dhoni was misplaced.

“A father feeling strongly about his son is not wrong. But the blame is being placed in the wrong place,” Patil said.  

Yuvraj’s last match for India in international cricket came in 2017. In 2019, he announced his retirement from international cricket. He represented India for 17 years and is considered one of the greatest players to ever don the blue jersey.