Yuzvendra Chahal, the Indian spinner known for his exceptional performances in limited-overs cricket, has credited former captain MS Dhoni for the freedom given to Indian bowlers. Chahal, who recently made a comeback in the team during the first T20I against the West Indies, expressed his gratitude towards Dhoni for instilling confidence in the Indian bowling unit.
Chahal, who had been benched for the ODI series against the West Indies, made a strong comeback in the T20I with figures of 2-24. The leg-spinner has been a valuable asset for India in T20Is and has garnered praise from his teammates and captains alike. During a pre-match press conference, Chahal compared the different Indian captains he has played under, highlighting the common factor of giving bowlers the freedom to express themselves.
Drawing an analogy to a family, Chahal explained, You have four brothers in your family. Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) was the eldest brother, then came Virat, Rohit, and now Hardik. The equation remains the same. On the ground, everyone wants their team to win. He gives us freedom as a bowler. The same freedom we used to receive, Hardik is giving us now. We (bowlers) can set our own field.
Chahal’s words reveal the strong bond and trust between the Indian bowlers and their leaders. Notably, under the captaincy of Dhoni, Chahal flourished and became India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. Even now, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma taking charge, the support and freedom continue to be extended to bowlers like Chahal.
However, Chahal’s journey has not been without struggles. Despite being part of India’s ODI World Cup squad in 2019, his place in the team has been uncertain with the emergence of spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Kuldeep Yadav’s recent performances in the ODI series have also put him in contention for the upcoming World Cup squad as a frontline spinner.
While Chahal may face challenges in reclaiming a permanent spot in the team, his positive attitude and determination shine through his words. The spinner recognizes the faith shown in him by his teammates and is determined to make every opportunity count.
As Chahal’s career progresses, it is evident that the support and freedom provided by the Indian captains play a crucial role in his performance on the field. The trust and belief instilled in him have helped him become one of India’s most successful spinners in T20Is. As the World Cup approaches, Chahal will be aiming to showcase his skills once again and make a compelling case for his inclusion in the squad.
In conclusion, Yuzvendra Chahal’s acknowledgment of MS Dhoni’s influence and the unwavering support provided by Indian captains highlights the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in the success of the bowling unit. Chahal’s ability to excel under different leaders is a testament to his skill and adaptability. With the upcoming T20 World Cup on the horizon, all eyes will be on Chahal as he strives to make a significant impact and prove his worth to the team.
