NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer on Monday spoke out in support of former India player Yuvraj Singh, who recently revealed that he did not receive clear communication from then captain Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri and the selectors as he reflected on his retirement.
In a recent interview with Sports Tak, Yuvraj, who played 40 Tests, 304 ODIs and 58 T20Is, said that he did not receive proper communication from Kohli and Shastri and had to approach MS Dhoni to clarify his future.
In X, Jaffer, who played alongside Yuvraj, backed the all-rounder and criticized the Indian team management, the BCCI and the selectors.
“Earlier players used to find out from newspapers whether their career was over or not, although things have improved in terms of communication, if a great player like @YUVSTRONG12, who won two championships in India, says he was not communicated, then that is not right. Communication should be there. #Indiancricket,” Jaffer said.
What did Yuvraj say?Yuvraj spoke about the turmoil he faced towards the end of his career.
“For example, when I went through my own situation, I had no clarity at all. There was no clarity from the National Cricket Academy, no clarity from the captain or the coach. I was stuck at 36, moving on to 37, wondering what to do next. At least if someone has played that much cricket, they deserve respect,” he said.
“I feel that those who are at the end of their careers need clarity. I didn’t understand it, nor did Zaheer Khan, Virender Sehwag or Harbhajan Singh. The captain, the coach or the selector, whoever it is, should sit down with the player and explain how he sees things,” he added.
During this uncertain phase, it was Dhoni who gave him a clear and honest perspective.
“I spoke to MS Dhoni. We spoke on the phone. He gave me the right perspective. I had nothing to gain, but I could see what was happening,” shared Yuvraj. Even then, he insisted on making his own decision. “They told me that if I couldn’t pass the physical fitness test, I should consider retiring. I said I would decide to retire myself,” he revealed.
Yuvraj last played for India in June 2017 against the West Indies and announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket in 2019.