Yuvraj Singh opens up about his relationship with MS Dhoni, Stating That They Aren’t Good Friends, Pioneers of 2007 & 2011 World Cup

Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni played pivotal roles in India’s triumphant 2007 and 2011 World Cup campaigns. Despite their post-retirement lives diverging from the cricketing field, there have been speculations surrounding their relationship.

Opting for a diplomatic approach, Yuvraj Singh shared his perspective during a podcast with YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia. He candidly mentioned that while they were friends during their cricketing journey, they weren’t particularly close off the field. The disparity in their lifestyles kept them from forming a deep personal bond; their friendship primarily revolved around the game. Nevertheless, when it came to representing their country, they both committed wholeheartedly, giving their utmost effort.

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Singh reminisced about an instance during a World Cup match against the Netherlands when he was on the verge of reaching his half-century with just two runs left to score. MS Dhoni, in an act of selflessness, deliberately played out two dot balls to ensure Yuvraj reached his milestone.

He elucidated their professional rapport with an example from the 2011 World Cup final. In this high-stakes encounter, a strategic decision was made that dictated if Gautam Gambhir got out, Yuvraj would take the field, and if Virat Kohli got dismissed, Dhoni would step in. This decision underscored their commitment to the team’s success over personal friendship. They were unwavering professionals who prioritized the nation’s interests.

Despite not being exceptionally close, Singh acknowledged that Dhoni provided him with invaluable guidance regarding his cricketing career, particularly leading up to the 2019 World Cup. Dhoni candidly informed Yuvraj that the selection committee had no plans to include him in the squad for the 2019 World Cup, shedding light on the reality of his situation. This conversation served as a pivotal moment in Yuvraj’s career, offering him a clear understanding of his prospects on the eve of the World Cup.