When MS Dhoni was appointed as the Indian captain upon Rahul Dravid’s resignation, it was a shocking decision. It was ahead of the 2007 T20 WC that the decision was made. There were many players senior to MSD in the team, however, the BCCI handed him the command. The decision proved to be beneficial for India as they lifted the maiden T20 WC Trophy. Senior players including Ganguly, Dravid, and Sachin pulled out of the tournament. So, the immediate choice for India captaincy should’ve been Yuvraj Singh, being a senior, in-form player. However, MS Dhoni was picked over Yuvraj to lead a relatively inexperienced team. Yuvraj has finally opened up about the decision.
Yuvraj Singh opens up about team India captaincy
Greg Chappell is India’s most controversial coach. His tenure started in 2005 and had to be cut short in 2007 as the tenure was marred with controversies. Chappell had feuds with many senior players including Tendulkar. Yuvraj stood with his teammate rather than his coach, which was not liked by BCCI officials. As a result, Yuvraj Singh was named MS Dhoni’s vice-captain, despite being senior to him in the team. However, Yuvraj Singh doesn’t repent, says would still back a teammate if needed. It is also believed that Chappell was the reason Ganguly was dropped off the team.
I was supposed to be the captain
“I was supposed to be the captain. Then the Greg Chappell incident happened. It had become Chappell or Sachin. I was probably the only player who supported…that I support my teammate. And some of the BCCI officials did not like that. It was said that they should make anybody the captain but not myself. This is what I heard. I am not sure how true it is. Suddenly from vice-captaincy I was removed. Sehwag was not there in the team. So, out of nowhere Mahi became captain for the 2007 T20 World Cup. I thought I was going to be the captain.
Viru was senior but he was not on the England tour. I was the vice-captain of the ODI team while Rahul was the captain. So, I was supposed to be the captain. Obviously, it was a decision that went against me but I have no regrets about it. Today, if the same thing happens, I will still support my teammate.”
Yuvraj Singh
Mahi was getting very good in captaincy
Although Yuvi was disheartened at first when not given the chance to captain India. He believes it happened for good as he was out of cricket battling cancer. He made a comeback but injuries took a toll on his fitness. In addition, he appreciates how the Indian team has won important tournaments under MS Dhoni’s leadership.
“After a while, I thought Mahi was getting really good in captaincy. He was probably the right guy to lead in ODI cricket. Then I started getting injured a lot. Even if I was made the captain, I would have to go. Injuries were taking a toll on my body for a while. Everything happens for the best. I actually don’t regret not having the captaincy of India. It would have been a huge honor. But I would always choose my teammate, if bad things have been said about his character, I would always stand up for my teammate.”
Yuvraj Singh
