Yuvraj Singh Remembering the moment, how captaincy decisions can often go against expectations. MS Dhoni Despite several senior options in the team, he was appointed Indian captain “out of nowhere” and was next in line to become vice-captain and captain. Speaking on a podcast with SportsTalk, Yuvraj Used the example in modern-day captaincy debates, particularly when discussing around Abhishek Sharma In the absence of leadership duties are not being delegated. Pat Cumminswith the Ishan Kishan Instead of taking charge. 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. If I give you an example, change it from a player’s point of view — say if Abhishek Sharma, before the World Cup, comes into the team, wins his state team, scores a century in the final, comes into the World Cup team, Abhishek makes runs and is made captain of the franchise. On the other hand, Ishan Kishan performed for seven years playing for a franchise, gave his heart and soul for the franchise and then also the state captain, you don’t get the captaincy, you get the vice-captaincy. The mentality he plays franchise cricket with now – a bit of a disappointment.” Drawing from his own experience, Yuvraj pointed out how unexpected leadership calls have always been a part of Indian cricket. “But the good thing is that he has good relations. For example, when I was in the Indian team, Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag were seniors, I was the vice-captain, but from somewhere MS. Dhoni comes and becomes the captain. Whatever the reasons – franchise cricket will not determine whether you captain India. But from a player’s perspective, it’s frustrating. If anyone has done so much for you over the years – that one.” In 2007, India had several experienced names in contention for the leadership. However, it was Dhoni who was given the responsibility, a move that surprised many within the team, including Yuvraj himself, who was then the ODI team’s vice-captain and was asked to take on the leadership role. This decision, though unexpected at the time, redefined Indian cricket. Dhoni led a young Indian team to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, marking the most successful captaincy in the country’s history. Yuvraj, who was then the vice-captain in the ODI setup, was a key figure during Dhoni’s leadership. He played a pivotal role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup victory and later emerged as the Player of the Tournament in the 2011 ODI World Cup, highlighting the success of this bold leadership call.
