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Special session a violation of election code, claims Congress | India News


Special session a violation of election code, claims Congress

NEW DELHI: Congress termed the convening of a “special session of Parliament” on April 16-18 a violation of the model code of conduct, accusing the BJP of trying to use the women’s quota bill to influence elections in Tamil Nadu and Bengal, which go to polls later this month.AICC spokesman Jairam Ramesh said Congress opposes any “change in relative strength of states” in the Lok Sabha, criticising a “hasty proposal” for a “proportionate” increase in parliamentary seats. He said such a move would permanently disadvantage southern states like TN and Kerala vis-à-vis northern states, while also hurting north-eastern states, north-western states like Punjab, and smaller states. Ramesh said there have been informal inputs that the Modi government is planning a new delimitation law with a 50% increase in seats of all states in the Lok Sabha and assemblies.Quoting Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, Ramesh said seats in UP could rise to 120 from 80, while Kerala’s could increase to 30 from 20. The earlier gap of 60 seats would widen to 90, the Congress neta argued.“The opposition will take a joint stand, and the government’s strategy of dividing political parties will not succeed,” he said. Ramesh also dismissed the government’s argument linking quota and delimitation, citing the Registrar General of India’s statement that census results will be available in 2027.



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Yuvraj Singh reveals what ‘stood out’ in Gautam Gambhir’s coaching style | Cricket News


Yuvraj Singh reveals what 'stood out' in Gautam Gambhir's coaching style
Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh

NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has credited head coach Gautam Gambhir’s unwavering belief in his methods as the key reason behind India’s T20 World Cup triumph, saying the former opener’s clarity and courage under pressure made the difference.Speaking on Sports Tak, Yuvraj shed light on Gambhir’s coaching philosophy, describing him as someone with a sharp cricketing mind. “I have played with Gautam since under-16 and under-19, and I always felt he had a very good cricketing brain. The way he sees the game has always stood out,” Yuvraj said.

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Gautam Gambhir reflects on India’s World Cup win and backing Sanju Samson in the tournament

He pointed to Gambhir’s credentials as both player and mentor, recalling his match-winning knocks in two World Cup finals. “He has performed at the highest level and played a major role in winning two World Cups. Then as a mentor with Kolkata Knight Riders, he won titles again. He must be doing something right,” Yuvraj added.‘Sticking to his process led to World Cup triumph’Yuvraj emphasised that Gambhir’s biggest strength was his ability to stay committed to his gameplan despite criticism. “When you become India’s coach, there are too many eyes on you. One mistake is shown 100 times, one success 1000 times,” he said.Referring to the criticism Gambhir faced after India’s Test setbacks, Yuvraj noted: “He went through that phase but stuck to his process. That is what led India to the World Cup triumph. Now he is back on the high — there will always be ups and downs in cricket.”According to Yuvraj, Gambhir’s aggressive blueprint instilled fear in opponents. “He was clear — we have to play this brand of cricket even if there are failures. We are coming after you from the first ball. If it’s there to hit, players like Abhishek or Sanju will go for it from the first ball,” he explained.

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Should other teams adopt Gambhir aggressive brand of cricket as a strategy?

India’s bowling depth also played a crucial role, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the attack. “Whenever India are in trouble, they have Bumrah to bail them out, with Hardik and Arshdeep backing him,” Yuvraj said.He further highlighted the squad’s balance, noting the presence of quality spinners like Kuldeep Yadav even on the bench.Summing it up, Yuvraj reiterated: “Gambhir stuck to his process despite failures, and it rewarded him with the T20 World Cup.”



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Soft PR, ‘samosa’ swipe: How Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘soldiers’ justified Raghav Chadha’s ‘demotion’ in Rajya Sabha | India News


Raghav Chadha and Saurabh Bharadwaj (R) (File ph

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party’s internal rift spilled into full public view on Friday after MP Raghav Chadha reacted to his removal as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, drawing sharp counterattacks from senior colleagues.Leaders including Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj and IT cell head Anurag Dhanda, calling themselves “Arvind Kejriwal ke sipaahi,” defended the leadership’s decision and justified Chadha’s ‘demotion’ in the Upper House.

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“Soft PR and Samosas”: AAP Leader Saurabh Bharadwaj Defend Chadha’s RS Demotion

Also read – AAP rift out in open: Raghav Chadha attacks leadership; party hits backBharadwaj launched a pointed attack, accusing Chadha of indulging in “soft PR” rather than taking on the PM Narendra Modi-led government. Taking a swipe at one of Chadha’s parliamentary interventions, he said, “A small party gets very limited time there, and instead of talking about samosas, it is more important to raise the country’s real issues.”He added, “Whenever there is an issue and the opposition walks out, you do not join the walkout. For the past several years, I have not seen you raise any issue in Parliament where you questioned the Prime Minister or the BJP government. How can politics of fear work like this?”Questioning Chadha’s role as a Rajya Sabha member from Punjab, Bharadwaj said, “You are elected from Punjab, and you hesitate to raise even Punjab’s issues. Recently in Gujarat, around 160 party workers were booked in false cases and many were arrested, yet you remained silent on that as well.”Escalating the criticism further, he invoked a past episode involving party leadership. “When many of our leaders were in jail and Arvind Kejriwal ji, as chief minister, was arrested in a false case, you were not even in the country at that time, you had gone somewhere and stayed away.”The party’s IT cell chief Anurag Dhanda also mounted a sharp attack, accusing Raghav Chadha of failing to discharge his responsibilities in the party’s interest. Taking aim at the nature of issues raised by Chadha in Parliament, he said, “In Parliament, the party gets just a little time to speak—in that, we can either struggle to save the country or haggle to make the samosas cheaper in the airport canteen.”Dhanda escalated his criticism by questioning Chadha’s political stance and resolve. “If someone fears Modi, will they fight for the country?” he said, alleging that Chadha had avoided taking strong positions on key national issues. He pointed to several instances to support his charge, including alleged silence over the arrest of party workers in Gujarat, inaction on voting rights concerns in West Bengal, and refusal to back a motion against the Chief Election Commissioner.

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He further accused Chadha of staying back in the House during party walkouts, adding, “For the past few years, you’ve grown afraid, Raghav. You hesitate to speak against Modi. You hesitate to speak on the country’s real issues,” before ending with a pointed remark: “He who is afraid…”



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Yuvraj Singh on SRH’s Abhishek Sharma captaincy snub: ‘Now with what frame of mind will he play’? | Cricket News


Yuvraj Singh on SRH’s Abhishek Sharma captaincy snub: ‘Now with what frame of mind will he play’?
Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma’s mentor, has stated that it is disappointing for any player who has given his ‘heart and soul’ to the franchise ‘ for years’ to have missed out on leading the side. SRH had announced Ishan Kishan as the stand-in skipper for IPL 2026, snubbing Abhishek and the decision had not gone down well with a section of the fans and even some cricket experts.

One of the biggest talking points leading up to the start of IPL 2026 was the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s choice of captain in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins. SRH announced Ishan Kishan as the stand-in skipper, snubbing Abhishek Sharma and the decision did not go down well with a section of the fans and even cricket experts. Now, former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek’s mentor, has stated that it is disappointing for any player who has given his ‘heart and soul’ to the franchise ‘ for years’ to have missed out on leading the side. “It is disappointing. I love Ishan Kishan. I have seen his growth as well in Indian cricket, his comeback as well,” Yuvraj Singh said in SportsTak Podcast. “If I give you an example, switch this from a player’s perspective – say if Abhishek Sharma, before the World Cup, came into the team, his state team won, scored a hundred in the final, came into the World Cup team, he scores runs and he is captain of the franchise.

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Nitish Kumar Reddy breaks down SRH’s masterplan | post-match pc

“On the other hand, Ishan Kishan, playing for one franchise for seven years, has performed, given his heart and soul for the franchise and also captains the state side as well, but does not get captaincy; he gets the vice-captaincy. Now what frame of mind he plays franchise cricket with – with a bit of disappointment.” However, Yuvraj Singh opined that this snub is something that Abhishek should take as motivation and they try to do even better than what he is doing currently. “If it happened with me, I have to be clear, ‘listen, this has happened, I am disappointed’. I spoke to Abhishek as well and told him we are going to put that disappointment aside and I will support my captain and I will try and do even better, because something has hurt me, ab aur zor lagaunga, to do better. That should be your motivation,” said Yuvraj. While there has been official communication from SRH on the reason to pick Kishan over Abhishek, but the general feeling is that Ishan, who made a return to the Indian team after two years and has stellar World Cup campaign scoring 317 runs, had led his state side Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – India’s premier domestic T20 tournament – including a century in the final and 517 runs in the tournament to go with – was the ideal choice for the stop-gap arrangement. Further explaining Kishan’s choice as skipper by SRH , Yuvraj looked back at his India career and the time when MS Dhoni was made the India captain in 2007 despite the presence of senior players. “For example, when I was in the Indian team, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag were seniors, I was vice-captain, but from nowhere MS Dhoni comes and becomes captain. Whatever the reasons maybe … franchise cricket will not determine if you will captain India.

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Do you think Ishan Kishan is ready for the captaincy role in IPL?

You look at Shubman Gill; because everyone felt he is most hardworking, most sincere about the game, he thinks about cricket in a different way, and selectors felt this guy should captain India. Maybe same way Dhoni was made captain. And if someone is destined to captain, to do great things for India, that will happen.,” said Yuvraj. Cummins, who led SRH in 2024 and 2025 is recovering from a back injury, and even though he has joined the SRH squad he is still unavailable for selection. The injury had ruled him out of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Australian, though, has given his stamp of approval on Ishan’s elevation, stating, “Ishan had a really successful captaincy stint with his local side in the last year or so..’.



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UP woman, newborn die as untrained staff delivers baby with doctor advising over phone | Lucknow News


Image used for representative purpose only.

AYODHYA: A 32-year-old woman and her newborn allegedly died due to medical negligence after a delivery was conducted by “untrained staff” at a private hospital in Ayodhya, with the doctor directing the procedure over the phone, officials and family members said on Thursday.Following the incident on Tuesday, the health department sealed the hospital and launched a probe.Suresh Yadav, a resident of Beniganj, said his wife Soni Yadav was admitted to Maa Parmeshwari Devi Memorial Hospital after she developed labour pains. The attending doctor, Anjali Shrivastava, initially told them that her condition was normal.According to the family, the doctor was not present at the time of delivery, and the procedure was carried out by a staffer, who was being guided by the doctor over the phone during delivery.“After about half-an-hour, the staff handed over the baby and said he was not breathing. When we took the newborn to a nearby doctor, he was declared dead. Upon returning, we were told my wife’s condition had worsened. She was then taken to another hospital, where she was also declared dead,” Yadav alleged.A team from the health department, led by additional chief medical officer (ACMO) Dr Ashutosh Shrivastava, inspected the facility.No doctor or trained medical staff were present during the inspection, and a man identified as Mahesh Singh, claiming to be the hospital manager, was found overseeing operations, the ACMO said.

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What is most important to prevent such medical incidents?

“Three women who had undergone caesarean sections were also admitted there, and their care was left to the manager,” the ACMO said.“The hospital has been sealed and the admitted patients have been shifted to the district women’s hospital. Further investigation is underway, and an FIR will be registered if negligence is established,” the ACMO said, adding that the doctor is currently untraceable.



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Centre asks states to curb fuel rumours | India News


Centre asks states to curb fuel rumours

NEW DELHI: The government has directed all states to take measures to curb misinformation on the availability of petrol, diesel and gas, and to prevent black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders. In a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and Union territories on Thursday, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal also emphasised the need for regular dissemination of information to assure citizens of adequate availability and smooth distribution of LPG cylinders.“…rumours continue to circulate in certain areas, leading to…panic buying… states/UT govts are requested to intensify proactive and regular public communication,” he said.



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Won’t be cowed, says Raghav, AAP brass says he indulged in ‘soft PR’ | India News


Won’t be cowed, says Raghav, AAP brass says he indulged in ‘soft PR’

NEW DELHI: A day after AAP removed him as deputy leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha, Raghav Chadha declared that he would not be cowed by attempts to silence him, drawing a fierce backlash from his colleagues.Senior AAP members accused Chadha of being scared of PM Narendra Modi and not raising issues tied to the party’s stand. They mentioned his failure to sign the notice seeking the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, and defying the party line on walkouts over issues in the House. Chadha was accused by Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha Sanjay Singh, and leader of the opposition in Delhi, and Atishi of engaging in “soft PR” in Parliament. Asked by a journalist if he believed Chadha was compromised, Mann replied, “Yes”.

Won’t be cowed, says Raghav, AAP brass says he indulged in ‘soft PR’

Mann questions Raghav’s focus: ‘Samosas over serious issues?’

Mann criticised Raghav Chadha for raising issues such as the price of samosas at airports while ignoring core issues prioritised by AAP, and accused him of deviating from the party line.Mann said, “If the party gives a line to raise specific issues, such as valid votes being deleted (in West Bengal), 160 AAP leaders and volunteers being booked in Gujarat, or Punjab’s issues, like attempts to polarise communities, MSP, Centre holding back GST funds or rural development fund but someone raises issues of samosas at airports or pizza delivery time, won’t it raise doubts that he is talking from a different station?” ‘Jo Dar Gaya Samjho Mar Gaya’ jibe (those who live in fear are as good as dead), AAP leaders taunted their estranged colleague.The slugfest started after Chadha, an RS MP from Punjab since 2022, put out a video message on X. “To those who have snatched my right to speak in Parliament, I would like to say don’t take my silence for defeat. I am that river which can turn into a devastating deluge when the time comes,” he warned.The Rajya Sabha MP asked if speaking about the common man’s problems in Parliament was a crime. “Today, I ask this as AAP has told the Rajya Sabha secretariat that Raghav Chadha should not be given time to speak in Parliament. Now, why would anyone want to stop me from speaking?” he asked and went on to list the diverse issues he has raised, ranging from expensive food at airports, problems faced by food delivery riders, to tax on the middle-class.Sanjay Singh questioned Chadha’s silence on the many issues — from LPG cylinders, to manipulation of votes in West Bengal, rights of Punjab under attack and the atrocities being faced by AAP volunteers in Gujarat. “On all these issues, Raghav Chadha keeps silent. I would like to tell him that we are foot soldiers of Arvind Kejriwal, who has taught us to fearlessly fight against Modi.”Referring to the arrest of Kejriwal in March 2024, former Delhi CM Atishi said that while party leaders were on the streets protesting and facing detention, questions were raised about Chadha’s absence. “We defended you then…But today, even I want to ask that when Kejriwal was arrested, were you scared of the BJP and therefore ran away to London out of fear?” she lashed out.



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Yuvraj’s candid revelation: ‘From nowhere Dhoni became captain’ despite him being VC | Cricket News


Yuvraj’s candid revelation: ‘From nowhere Dhoni became captain’ despite him being VC
MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh (X)

Yuvraj Singh has opened up on how captaincy decisions can often defy expectations, recalling the moment MS Dhoni was appointed India captain “from nowhere” despite several senior options in the side and him being the vice-captain and next in line to become captain.Speaking on a podcast with Sports Tak, Yuvraj used the example while discussing modern-day captaincy debates, particularly around Abhishek Sharma not being handed leadership duties in the absence of Pat Cummins, with Ishan Kishan instead taking charge.

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India World Cup squad: No Shubman Gill, Jitesh as selectors recall Rinku, Ishan Kishan

Yuvraj admitted that such decisions can be difficult from a player’s perspective, especially for those who have contributed consistently over the years.“It is disappointing. I love Ishan Kishan. I have seen his growth as well in Indian cricket, his comeback as well.If I give you an example, switch this from a player’s perspective — say if Abhishek Sharma, before the World Cup, came into the team, made his state team win, scored a hundred in the final, came into the World Cup team, Abhishek scored runs and he was made captain of the franchise.On the other hand, Ishan Kishan, playing for one franchise for seven years, performed, given his heart and soul for the franchise and then state captain as well, does not get captaincy, gets vice-captaincy. Now what frame of mind he plays franchise cricket with — a bit of disappointment.”Drawing from his own experience, Yuvraj pointed out how unexpected leadership calls have always been part of Indian cricket.“But the good thing is he has good relations. For example, when I was in the Indian team, Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag were seniors, I was vice-captain, but from nowhere MS Dhoni comes and becomes captain. Whatever the reasons — franchise cricket will not determine if you will captain India. But from a player’s perspective, it is disappointing. If someone has done so much for you over so many years — that.”Back in 2007, India had several experienced names in contention for leadership. However, it was Dhoni who was handed the responsibility, a move that surprised many within the team, including Yuvraj himself, who was the then vice-captain of the ODI side and was touted to take up the leadership role.

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Do you think captaincy should always be given to the most experienced player?

The decision, though unexpected at the time, went on to redefine Indian cricket. Dhoni led a young Indian side to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, beginning one of the most successful captaincy tenures in the country’s history.Yuvraj, who was then vice-captain in the ODI setup, remained a key figure in Dhoni’s leadership era. He played a crucial role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph and later emerged as Player of the Tournament in the 2011 ODI World Cup, underlining the success of that bold leadership call.



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‘Ghar wapsi will take place soon’: All India Imam Organisation chief says PoK will be reintegrated with India | India News


Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation Umer Ahmed Ilyasi

NEW DELHI: Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation Umer Ahmed Ilyasi on Friday said Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) would “very soon” be reintegrated with India, while also praising the changes he said had taken place in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.“I want to say one thing to our neighbouring country from standing here in Kashmir that PoK, which is an integral part of India, will definitely rejoin India because the people of PoK want to have a referendum there,” Ilyasi told reporters here.

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‘Ghar Wapsi Will Happen Soon’: Imam Ilyasi Predicts PoK Reunification

He said the people of PoK wanted to reunite with India and were watching the development taking place in Jammu and Kashmir.“God willing, their ‘ghar wapsi’ will take place soon. It is the people there who want it. They are happy to see the development of Kashmir. Seeing how Kashmir is progressing today, PoK will be rejoined with India very soon,” he said.Ilyasi said he was happy to see what he described as a “transformed” Kashmir and pointed to rising prosperity and tourism in the region.“It has become a new Kashmir. Today’s Kashmir has become excellent; there is prosperity throughout, and tourism has increased. The people here are prosperous. There was a time when young people and children here used to throw stones. Today, they have pens in their hands. They are studying,” he said.Referring to last year’s Pahlagam terror attack that left 25 tourists and a local pony handler dead, he said tourism had briefly declined after the incident but urged people to continue visiting Kashmir. “I want to tell everyone that they should visit Kashmir as there is no atmosphere of fear now,” he said.

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What aspect of Kashmir transformation do you find most impressive?

On the conflict in West Asia, Ilyasi said war only brings destruction and expressed hope for peace.“Wars harm everyone; they are a sign of destruction. I have hopes from our country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, and God willing, he will mediate, and the war will end soon… there will be peace and tranquillity,” he said.



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‘It’s not okay’: Yuvraj apologises to Kapil, Dhoni over father Yograj’s remarks | Cricket News


'It's not okay': Yuvraj apologises to Kapil, Dhoni over father Yograj’s remarks
MS Dhoni, Kapil Dev and Yuvraj Singh

NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has publicly apologised to two of Indian cricket’s most iconic captains, Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, distancing himself from controversial remarks made by his father Yograj Singh.Speaking on a podcast, Yuvraj addressed the issue directly, making it clear that he does not endorse the comments. “I would like to apologise to Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni for these comments,” he told Sports Tak, adding that he had also spoken to his father about it. “I told dad, it’s not okay,” Yuvraj said, admitting he felt uncomfortable hearing Yograj’s interviews.

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Jay Shah: Kapil Dev deserves more credit for 1983 World Cup triumph

Expanding on his stance, Yuvraj added, “Kapil was a great player and captain for India. I don’t know what the issue was between him and my father. I have played with MS Dhoni and have always expressed my relationship with him. But what my dad has said about him — I told him, ‘it’s not okay’. It reflects on me as I have played with him.”ALSO READ: Yuvraj Singh reveals what ‘stood out’ in Gautam Gambhir’s coaching styleHe further stressed his disapproval, saying, “I told him I would appreciate it if he didn’t say these things, whatever the reasons. I sincerely would like to apologise to both of them. And they also know that those words are not mine. As cricketers, I have huge respect for them for whatever they have done for the country.”Yuvraj, one of the main architects of India’s triumphs in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, played a pivotal role during an era dominated by stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Dhoni. Reflecting on his current relationship with Yograj, Yuvraj said the dynamic between them has evolved over time. “We now try to interact more as father and son, rather than the earlier dynamic of coach and ward. It’s an interesting phase in my life,” he said.“We discuss a lot about past and present cricketers and often argue — but it’s all in good humour,” he added, signalling a more balanced and personal equation with his father even amid public disagreements.Yograj’s explosive claims on Kapil and DhoniYograj Singh, a former India cricketer and coach, has frequently courted controversy with his remarks about former players. In one of his most startling claims, he alleged that he once went to Kapil Dev’s house with a pistol after being dropped from the team in the 1980s.“When Kapil Dev became captain… he dropped me for no reason,” Yograj said, recalling the incident. He claimed he confronted Kapil and even threatened him, saying he refrained only because Kapil’s mother was present.Yograj has also been sharply critical of Dhoni, at one point accusing him of “ruining” Yuvraj’s career by not backing him for a longer period in international cricket. “I won’t forgive MS Dhoni… what he did to my son is unforgivable,” he had said, while also alleging that Yuvraj could have played for several more years.His criticism extended further, with sweeping remarks about how players were treated during his time and even raising old match-fixing allegations involving past cricketers, including Kapil.

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Which captain do you think had a more significant impact on Indian cricket?

However, in a surprising shift ahead of IPL 2026, Yograj struck a more conciliatory tone towards Dhoni, praising his longevity and discipline. “I admire him… he should keep playing for another 10 years,” Yograj said, while also dismissing calls for Dhoni’s retirement.Yuvraj’s apology, however, has drawn a clear line, underlining his respect for both Kapil and Dhoni while seeking to move past the controversy triggered by his father’s statements.



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