Yograj Singh Biography: The Man Behind Yuvraj Singh's Success & Controversies
Published: Feb 28, 2025 | 05:00 PM IST
Yograj Singh is a name that resonates with Indian cricket fans not just for his brief stint as a fast bowler, but predominantly as the hard-taskmaster father of legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. A man of many talents, Yograj transitioned from cricket to Punjabi cinema, carving a niche for himself as a formidable actor.
However, he is equally famous for his explosive and often controversial statements regarding Indian cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev. Here is the detailed biography of Yograj Singh.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Yograj Singh Bhundel |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 March 1958 (Chandigarh) |
| Profession | Former Cricketer, Actor, Coach |
| Son | Yuvraj Singh |
| Cricket Role | Right-arm Fast-medium Bowler |
Cricket Career
Yograj Singh played for the Indian national team in the early 1980s. He made his debut in 1980 against New Zealand. Despite showing promise as a pacer who could generate good bounce, his international career was cut short due to injuries and stiff competition from the likes of Kapil Dev.
He played 1 Test and 6 ODIs for India. While his international stats might not be staggering, his contribution to coaching, specifically mentoring Yuvraj Singh into a World Cup winner, is his biggest cricketing legacy.
The Controversies: Yograj vs Dhoni
Yograj Singh has been a vocal critic of former Indian captain MS Dhoni. He has repeatedly blamed Dhoni for Yuvraj Singh's exclusion from the team in the latter stages of his career.
These statements often create a storm on social media, dividing fans into two camps. While some sympathize with a father's pain, others criticize him for disrespecting a legend like Dhoni. Recently, similar debates have sparked regarding Dhoni and Rohit Sharma's relationship.
Acting Career
After cricket, Yograj found immense success in Punjabi and Hindi cinema. He is known for playing strong, authoritative father figures. His role in the Bollywood movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag as Milkha Singh's coach was critically acclaimed.
Legacy
Love him or hate him, you cannot ignore Yograj Singh. He represents the old-school, tough-love coaching mentality that produced one of India's greatest match-winners. As Yuvraj Singh enjoys his retired life with luxury cars like his Bentley and Lamborghini, the influence of his father remains a central chapter in his story.