Yuvraj Singh's ex-teammate reacts to India legend's Kohli-Shastri retirement claim, urges BCCI to show ‘communication’

Reacting to Yuvraj Singh's Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri retirement claim, a former cricketer urged the Indian team management and the BCCI to improve communication.

Published on: Apr 6, 2026, 16:00:08 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer came to Yuvraj Singh's defence after the latter recently opened up on his retirement. Yuvraj, who received Player of the Tournament at the 2011 World Cup, was a vital part of the Indian national team setup. In a recent interview with Sports Tak, he recalled his retirement, claiming that he wasn't given a direct message by then India captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri.

A former India cricketer reacted to Yuvraj Singh's recent retirement claim, which included Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri.

Yuvraj mentioned that he had to speak to long-term teammate MS Dhoni, who was still in the Indian team, and the CSK star gave him an honest reality check. The 44-year-old revealed that even the likes of Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag didn't get any clarity.

Also Read: R Ashwin’s ‘mentally disturbing’ experience with CSK; spinner saved franchise INR 10 crore: ‘It was very painful for me’

‘Communication should be there’: Wasim Jaffer

Taking to X, Jaffer, a former teammate of Yuvraj, urged the Indian team management and the BCCI to improve communication. He wrote, “Earlier players used to find out in newspapers if their career is over or not, although things have gotten better in terms of communication still if a big player like @YUVSTRONG12 who’s won India two WC says he wasn’t communicated then that’s not right. Communication should be there. #Indiancricket”

Yuvraj claimed he spoke to Dhoni on the phone, and Dhoni said he was not in the running for the 2019 World Cup. He was told to pass the fitness test and the selection panel, but leadership expected him to fail it. He was told that he should retire if he fails the test. He passed the test but didn't return to contention and missed out on a spot on the 2019 World Cup squad.

Yuvraj was a member of the Indian cricket team in ODIs from 2000 to 2018. He was also vice-captain of the ODI team between 2007 and 2008. During the 2011 World Cup, he became the first player to register a five-wicket haul and a fifty in the same WC match. He registered 363 runs in nine matches in the tournament and took 15 wickets as India beat Sri Lanka in the final. He is also known for hitting six sixes in one over against Stuart Broad during the 2007 World T20.

He last represented India in June 2017 against the West Indies and announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket in 2019. A left-handed batter, Yuvraj was also handy with the ball, bowling left-arm orthodox spin. He improved his bowling skill set in the latter part of his career, and it was well reflected in 2011.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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