Yuvraj Singh was a senior member of the Indian team, a major star, and someone who demanded respect when Virat Kohli made his breakthrough. Before Kohli made his debut in 2008, Yuvraj had already participated in two ODI World Cups, won a T20 World Cup, and become the first Indian cricket player to knock six sixes in an over. However, the two have a great deal in common. Kohli was from Delhi, and Yuvraj was from Punjab in the northern region of India. At an early age, both have an abundance of natural skill. Both were gregarious individuals who emerged from the India U-19 squads. Similar to Yuvraj, Kohli also quickly established himself as a member of the Indian squad.
By the time of the 2011 ODI World Cup, Kohli was a reliable starter in the starting XI in addition to being a valuable component of the team. On the other hand, Yuvraj was one of the match winners. India’s 28-year quest for an ODI World Cup championship came to an end when they emerged as the tournament’s Player of the Tournament, thanks to the man who was trusted to make an impact with both bat and ball.
Following the 2011 World Cup, however, Yuvraj and Kohli’s cricket careers began to diverge. Subsequently, it came to light that Yuvraj was battling cancer for the entire event. He needed to receive therapy, thus he had to take an extended sabbatical from cricket. His return to the Indian team took 17 months, but in December 2012, he played his first One Day International (ODI) since the World Cup final against Sri Lanka in April of 2011. He participated in a home series first against England and then Pakistan, however his results in those series were insufficient to guarantee a spot in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy squad.
By now, Kohli had advanced quickly in every aspect of the game. He solidified his position in the team and gradually began to acquire the reputation as a white-ball cricket match-winner, which Yuvraj previously held in the Indian team.
Naturally, Yuvraj would go on to return to the Indian team, only to be dropped again and then again before being eventually removed following a disappointing Champions Trophy and a tour to the West Indies in 2017.
Kohli’s quick climb persisted during this time. After succeeding MS Dhoni as Test captain in 2014–15, he assumed command of the white-ball teams in 2017.
During these years, a relationship between Yuvraj and Kohli also emerged. Between 2008 and 2017, the pair participated in 33 T20Is, 64 ODIs, and 3 Tests. When playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, they always shared a changing room.
Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh don’t communicate often
When Yuvraj and Kohli get together—they didn’t interact in public till the India-Australia T20I in Mohali in 2022—they act like old pals.
However, Yuvraj claimed that lately, because Kohli is so busy, they don’t speak all that much. In the TRS Podcast, Yuvraj responded, “Not really,” when asked if he is in contact with Kohli. I don’t bother him because he’s occupied. Virat Kohli, in his youth, went by Cheeku. There’s a significant difference between Cheeku and Virat Kohli now, he continued.
It’s interesting to note that in the same podcast, Yuvraj discussed his friendship with Dhoni and said that although they were close, they always gave it their all for Team India.
Yuvraj, on the other hand, was full of praise for Kohli’s abilities as a batter and his contribution to the fitness revolution in Indian cricket. All of us wanted to get fit as a squad, but there was a noticeable change after Kohli was named captain. He established a standard, said Yuvraj.
In addition, Yuvraj made light of Kohli’s football prowess and claimed that he was the Cristiano Ronaldo of cricket.
He believes he is a fantastic football player, but I am more skilled. He is active and youthful. Though he is not, he believes he is Cristiano Ronaldo. He is in cricket. It fits (their approach) in terms of fitness and the game-focused attention as well,” he continued.
Kohli recently equaled the global record of 49 ODI centuries held by Sachin Tendulkar. He will next be seen playing for India against the Netherlands in their final World Cup group stage match before playing either New Zealand, Pakistan, or Afghanistan in the decisive semifinals.
