Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has courted controversy by criticizing Virat Kohli’s leadership style, accusing him of distancing himself from Yuvraj Singh after his inspiring comeback from a battle with cancer.
He said Kohli’s “exclusive” approach to captaincy required players to match his high standards of fitness, leaving little room for exceptions even for a player of Yuvraj’s stature. Highlighting Yuvraj Singh’s invaluable contributions, including his role in India’s World Cup victories, Robin Uthappa questioned why former captain Virat Kohli did not support the player who overcame life’s toughest challenge to return to his game.
Robin Uthappa blames Virat Kohli for sidelining Yuvraj Singh after his cancer comeback
Uthappa recently described Kohli’s captaincy as demanding and exclusive, saying the Indian batting icon expects the players to meet high standards in terms of fitness, discipline and mindset. According to a former Indian trend, there are two types of leaders: those who set the standard for others to reach, and those who guide and elevate others to the desired level.
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Uthappa pointed out that both approaches can be successful, but the exclusive style often leaves some feeling out, and that was the case with legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. The former India all-rounder, who played with both the cricketing icons, hailed Yuvraj’s comeback after beating cancer and asked why he was not given more support.
He emphasized that while it is important to maintain high standards as a captain, exceptions must be made for someone who has faced life’s toughest challenges. Uthappa expressed his disappointment that Yuvraj was not considered an exception by Virat despite his immense contributions to Team India.
‘You say he has reduced lung capacity’: Robin Uthappa
Speaking at Lallantop, Robin Uthappa said, “Take the example of Yuvi Pa. The man has beaten cancer and is trying to get back into the international side. He is an integral part of us winning World Cups. Then, when you become a captain for such a player, you lose your lung capacity and say that you were there for him when you saw him struggle.
“When you’re a captain, yes, you have to maintain a standard, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Here’s a man who deserves to be an exception, because he’s just beaten you and not won tournaments, but he’s. He’s beaten cancer.
Additionally, Robin Uthappa criticized Virat Kohli for not supporting Yuvraj Singh’s return to the Indian cricket team after his battle with cancer. He revealed that Yuvraj had requested some relaxation in his fitness test, but Kohli refused. Uthappa also claimed that Kohli influenced the decisions and Yuvraj was never given an opportunity to prove himself.
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Robin Uthappa explains why Virat Kohli’s ‘exclusive’ leadership style failed Yuvraj Singh
Uthappa remarked, “So when Yuvi asked for this two-point discount, he didn’t get it. Then he tested because he was out of the team and they didn’t accept him. Passed the fitness test, got into the team, had a lean tournament and completely nailed it. He never entertained her after that. Whoever was on the leadership team was not amused. At that time, Virat was the leader and it suited him because of his strong personality, and it suited him at that time.”
In the end, Uthappa compared the leadership styles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, calling the former Indian skipper’s approach “exclusive” and the current skipper’s “inclusive”. Uthappa pointed out that Kohli’s “my way or the highway” attitude as a captain focuses more on results than how players are treated, but Rohit’s leadership is about building a team where everyone feels valued.
