Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has issued a public apology to two of Indian cricket’s most celebrated captains, Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, firmly distancing himself from remarks attributed to his father, Yograj Singh. Speaking on a podcast, Yuvraj clarified that he does not stand by the controversial comments and said he has already discussed the matter with his father.
Key takeaways
- Yuvraj Singh apologised to Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni after receiving backlash over comments linked to his father, Yograj Singh.
- He said he had spoken to Yograj directly and told him the remarks were “not okay”.
- Yuvraj stressed that he has always maintained a positive relationship with Dhoni and that his father’s criticism reflects on him since he played with Dhoni.
- He reiterated his respect for both captains and emphasised that the controversial words were not his own.
- Yograj Singh’s history of contentious claims includes allegations involving Kapil and later criticism of Dhoni, before shifting to praise ahead of IPL 2026.
Yuvraj’s apology and his message to his father
On the podcast, Yuvraj addressed the situation head-on, stating, “I would like to apologise to Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni for these comments.” He added that he had also spoken with his father about the issue. In Yuvraj’s account, he told Yograj that what was said was unacceptable, explaining that hearing the interviews left him feeling uncomfortable.
Yuvraj then elaborated on his personal standpoint, describing Kapil Dev as an exceptional player and captain for India. He said he was unsure about the reason behind any conflict between Kapil and his father, noting that he has played alongside MS Dhoni and has always spoken positively about their connection. However, he made it clear that anything his father said about Dhoni was something he had challenged directly, saying to his father that it was “not okay.” Yuvraj added that such comments carry a personal impact because he shared the dressing room with Dhoni.
He further underlined his disapproval by telling his father that he would prefer that he not make such statements, regardless of the motivation. Yuvraj said he sincerely wants to apologise to both captains, while also stressing that Dhoni and Kapil know those words do not belong to him. As a fellow professional, he said he holds them in high regard for what they have done for the country.
Where Yograj’s comments have landed — from Kapil to Dhoni
Yograj Singh, a former India cricketer and coach, has been at the centre of repeated controversies through his public remarks about past players. One of his most striking claims dates back to the 1980s, when he alleged that after being dropped from the team, he once visited Kapil Dev’s home carrying a pistol. Yograj said that when Kapil became captain, he was removed without a clear reason, and that he confronted Kapil, even threatening him. He claimed he held back only because Kapil’s mother was present at the time.
Yograj has also been sharply critical of MS Dhoni. At one point, he accused Dhoni of “ruining” Yuvraj’s career by not giving him enough backing for a longer stretch in international cricket. Yograj had said he would not forgive Dhoni for what he did to his son, while also alleging that Yuvraj could have played for several more years.
His criticism has extended beyond that, with broader remarks about how players were managed during his era, and even references to older match-fixing allegations involving past cricketers, including Kapil Dev. Despite this, there was a noticeable change in tone ahead of IPL 2026, when Yograj adopted a more conciliatory stance toward Dhoni. He praised Dhoni’s longevity and discipline, saying, “I admire him… he should keep playing for another 10 years,” while also dismissing calls for Dhoni to retire.
Yuvraj on father-son dynamics and moving forward
Yuvraj’s apology places the focus on respect for both Kapil Dev and Dhoni, while drawing a clear separation between his views and those attributed to his father. The former India star, who helped shape India’s major successes including the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup triumphs, reflected on how his relationship with Yograj has evolved.
He said the dynamic now feels more like father and son rather than the earlier coach-and-ward structure. Yuvraj described it as an “interesting phase” in his life, adding that they talk frequently about both past and present cricketers. He said their disagreements often turn into arguments in good humour, suggesting that even with public differences, their day-to-day equation has become more balanced and personal.
With his apology, Yuvraj has effectively tried to close the chapter on the controversy sparked by Yograj’s statements, while reaffirming admiration for Kapil Dev and Dhoni and clarifying that the disputed remarks were not his own.
