Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has found himself in hot water after his recent comments about Virat Kohli’s captaincy and how it affects other players, including Yuvraj Singh and Ambati Rayudu. The 2007 T20 World Cup winner faced rumors on social media for blaming Kohli for Yuvraj and Rayudu’s exclusion from the Indian cricket team.

In a recent interview with Lallantop, Robin Uthappa criticized Virat Kohli’s handling of the legendary Yuvraj Singh in the latter stages of his career. He also said that Kohli’s likes led to Ambati Rayudu’s exclusion from India’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2019. These comments made him face Kohli’s fans.

Robin Uthappa defends his controversial comments on Virat Kohli’s leadership

Amidst the criticism, Robin Uthappa took to YouTube to explain his statement and address the controversy. He emphasized that his comments were not an attack on Kohli but an observation of his leadership. He also said that everyone has their own thoughts, and so do they. The former Indian batsman stressed that he respects Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket, but has mixed feelings about his leadership style, and rightly so.

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Robin Uthappa said on his YouTube channel: “A lot is being said; a lot is being misconstrued. Calm down. I’m a human being; I’m allowed to have my opinion, just like any of you. I’ve been listening and receiving a lot of hate in the last few days. I was in interview, and being in the interview, I am allowed to be honest and direct and share my opinion as I believe in my opinion.”

Uthappa defended his comments on Virat Kohli’s leadership by saying, “I feel like Virat’s leadership was perhaps more consistent than inclusive. You feel something, don’t worry. This is my opinion, and you are entitled to yours, and I respect yours, and you will respect mine. There is nothing wrong with that.” it is a man to have his own opinion.”

Robin Uthappa says he likes Virat Kohli as a person and a player, but not as a captain

Also, Uthappa emphasized that his thoughts were about Kohli’s leadership, not him as a person or a player. While he hailed the former India captain as one of the greatest ODI batsmen and a legend of the game while acknowledging his evolution as a person over the years.

The former Indian batsman also expressed admiration for Kohli’s hunger and passion for cricket. He said that he likes Virat a lot as a person and a player, but he has his own opinion on his leadership, and there is nothing wrong with that. Robin also feels that Kohli can play Test cricket for 3 years.

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Meanwhile, Robin Uthappa clarified his comments about Yuvraj Singh. He insisted that a legend like Yuvraj Singh had to be sent, as he was one of the greatest players India had ever seen. Uthappa felt that Yuvraj missed the farewell he deserved, and Virat Kohli, as India’s captain, could have helped, but he didn’t because he was out of form.

Yuvraj Singh was not sent because of Virat Kohli!!!

Uthappa explained, “I was not talking about Yuvraj Singh’s return. I was talking about legends like him getting the pass he deserves, and I believe someone like them should be sent where Rohit or Virat should be, no matter what form. I still feel that Yuvraj Singh should be sent, which he didn’t get. and if Virat could do it, that’s what I feel as a leader.”

Finally, Uthappa also shared his thoughts on Ambati Rayudu’s exclusion from the ODI World Cup 2019 squad. He expressed sympathy for his teammate Rayudu. A former Indian soldier who fought in the war has shown how Ambati Rayudu was affected. He feels that Kohli could have handled the situation in a better way to avoid such pain for Rayudu.