Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has courted controversy with a scathing critique of Virat Kohli’s leadership style, accusing him of sidelining Yuvraj Singh after his inspiring return from a battle with 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. Robin Uthappa highlighted Yuvraj Singh’s invaluable contributions, including his role in India’s World Cup victories, and questioned why former captain Virat Kohli did not lend his support to a player who overcame life’s toughest challenge for return to football.
Robin Uthappa accuses Virat Kohli of sidelining Yuvraj Singh after cancer returns
Recently, Uthappa described Kohli’s captaincy as demanding and exclusive, saying that the Indian batting icon expected players to meet his high standards in fitness, discipline and mentality. According to the former Indian batsman, there are two types of leaders: those who set a standard for others to achieve and those who guide and elevate others to the desired level.
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Uthappa mentioned that both approaches can be successful, but exclusive style often leaves a certain feeling of exclusion, and that was the case with legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. The former Indian batsman, who played with both cricket icons, praised Yuvraj’s comeback after beating cancer and questioned why he did not receive more support.
He emphasized that while it is important to maintain high standards as a captain, exceptions must be made for someone who overcame life’s toughest challenges. Uthappa expressed his disappointment that Virat did not treat Yuvraj as an exception despite his immense contributions to the Indian team.
‘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 get back into the international team. He is the man who played an integral role in helping us win the World Cups. So for a player like that, when you become captain, you say his lung capacity has decreased and you have been with him when you have seen him fight.
“When you are captain, yes, you have to maintain a level of standard, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Here is a man who deserves to be an exception because not only has he beaten you and won tournaments, but he has also won tournaments against you.” . He beat cancer. In that sense, he has overcome life’s most difficult challenge.”
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 requested a slight relaxation in the fitness test, but Kohli denied it. Uthappa also claimed that Kohli influenced the decisions, and that Yuvraj never got a chance to prove himself.
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Robin Uthappa Explains Why Virat Kohli Yuvraj Singh’s ‘Unique’ Leadership Style Failed
Uthappa noted, “So when Yuvi asked for that two-point deduction, he didn’t get it. Then he tried out because he was off the team and they wouldn’t accept him. He passed the physical test, made the team, had a meager tournament and totally excelled. I never entertained him again after that. Whoever was in the leadership group did not entertain him. That time Virat was the leader, and everything went according to him because of his strong personality, and that time it went according to him.”
In the end, Uthappa compared the leadership styles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, calling the former Indian captain’s approach “exclusive” and the current captain’s “inclusive”. Uthappa noted that Kohli’s “my way or the highway” attitude as captain was more about results than how players were treated, but Rohit’s leadership is about building a team where everyone feels valued.