Don't think Yograj Singh’s allegations against MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are true: Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif, the former Indian cricketer, feels that Yograj Singh’s allegations against MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli regarding his son Yuvraj are baseless to a large extent. Quite a few occasions in recent times has Yograj lashed out at the Indian duo for not lending his son the adequate support in critical times. Yograj said that Yuvraj didn’t get enough chances to show his prowess.

Kaif, who hung his boots back from all forms of cricket in 2018, admitted that the Chandigarh-born Yuvraj was a ‘champion’ in white-ball cricket. However, the veteran also said that it’s difficult to hold on to a spot if one doesn’t perform. Kaif reckons that in a country like India, the fringe players are always knocking on the doors with tireless efforts in the domestic circuit.

Dhoni deserves more freedom: Mohammad Kaif  

“I don’t think that Yuvi’s father’s allegation is true. But yes, Yuvi is a shorter format cricket champion, he should have got more opportunity. But in India, if a player lost his form for few matches then it’s not easy to save the spot. Because many talented players are waiting to enter Team India,” Kaif was quoted as saying in Helo App.

Kaif, who played 13 Tests and 125 ODIs for Team India, lauded Dhoni and said that the latter needed some freedom to make choices relating to team selection. He was clear cut in saying that Dhoni didn’t resort to tactics like ‘favouritism’.

“Dhoni is the most successful white-ball cricket captain. He deserves some freedom to select his own team. You can question him when he fails to deliver. But his records are spectacular. He won many trophies for India. So, the selectors will give the freedom and values his suggestions. It will not become favouritism,” he added.

Dhoni took over as India’s skipper in the 2007 edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa. He tasted immediate success and was soon given the mantle in ODI and Test cricket as well. From there, he didn’t look back. He not only flourished as the captain, but also piled on runs with authority. After giving up Test cricket in 2014, he gave up ODI and T20I leadership at the start of 2017.