Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has sparked controversy with a scathing criticism of Virat Kohli’s management style, accusing him of sidelining Yuvraj Singh following his inspirational comeback from cancer.
He said Kohli’s “exclusive” approach to captaincy required players to match his high fitness standards, leaving little room for exceptions, even for a player of Yuvraj’s stature. Highlighting Yuvraj Singh’s invaluable contribution, including his role in India’s World Cup victories, Robin Uthappa questioned why former captain Virat Kohli did not extend his support to the player who overcame the toughest challenge of his life to return to the game.
Robin Uthappa accuses Virat Kohli of sidelining Yuvraj Singh after cancer returns
Recently, Uthappa described Kohli’s captaincy as demanding and exclusive, saying the Indian batting icon expects players to meet his high standards of fitness, discipline and mindset. According to the former Indian batsman, there are two types of leaders: those who set standards that others can reach and those who lead and raise others to the desired level.
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Uthappa mentioned that both approaches can work, but an exclusive style often leaves one feeling left out, which was the case with legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. The former India batsman, who played with both cricketing icons, welcomed Yuvraj’s comeback after beating cancer and wondered why he was not given more support.
He emphasized that while it is important to maintain high standards as a captain, exceptions should be made for someone who has overcome life’s toughest challenges. Uthappa expressed his disappointment that Virat did not treat Yuvraj as an exception despite his immense contribution to Team India.
‘You say his lung capacity has decreased’: Robin Uthappa
Speaking at Lallantop, Robin Uthappa said, “Take the example of Yuvi Pa. The man beat cancer and is trying to return to the international side. He is the man who played a key role in helping us win world championships. Then for such a player, when you become captain, you say that his lung capacity has decreased, and you were with him when you saw him struggling.
“When you’re a captain, yes, you have to maintain a level of standards, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Here’s a man who deserves to be an exception because he didn’t just beat you and win tournaments, he beat cancer. He beat the hardest challenge of his life in that sense .”
Furthermore, Robin Uthappa also 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 asked for some relaxation in the fitness test but Kohli refused. Uthappa also claimed that Kohli influenced the decisions and Yuvraj then never got a chance 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 two points to be deducted, he didn’t get it. Then he took a test because he was out of the team and they didn’t accept him. He passed the fitness test, made the team, had a poor tournament and was completely kicked out. I never entertained him after that. Whoever was in the management group was not amused. That time Virat was the leader and it went his way because of his strong personality and that time it went his way.”
Finally, 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 noted that Kohli’s “my way or the highway” attitude as captain focused more on results than how the players were treated, but Rohit’s leadership is about building a team where everyone feels valued.
