New Delhi: Notable to read the body language of a batsman or bowler of MS Dhoni, preparing a plan on the spot, and distributing game-changing results is no secret. Dhoni’s voice was a continuous guide for his bowlers during his captaincy days, “Idar Dal,” “Sida Dal,” or “Off Stump Pe Pay Rakhna”, with sharp stump-pike instructions.
The captain of former India often falls under the skin of his bowlers – does not hesitate to scold them, distributes fierce pap negotiations, and on occasions, hand over a rare “shabash”. One of many Indian bowlers has experienced Dhoni’s fast cricket mind Firsthand, which is Yuzvendra Chahal.
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Leg-spinner is receiving Mahi at the end of difficult love on many occasions, but a large part of his success credits the knowledge and guidance of the legendary wicketkeeper.
Punjab kingsWith two wins and a loss so far in their three matches, they are ready to take the next Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday. And Yuzvendra Chahal cannot once again wait for the opportunity to meet ‘Mahi Bhai’ and bowl.
Experienced leg-spinner, currently playing for Punjab Kings IPL 2025At the age of 34, the highest wicket is taking the most wickets in the history of the tournament.
“Mahi Bhai has seen me bowling from behind the stump for years. He knows how I bowl, what I think, and what I like to do. I can read – maybe 2 or 3 percent – 2 or 3 percent – Mahi Bhai is thinking.
“You can’t give him an easy ball-if you do, he will send it out of the park,” said leg-spinner.
In his 163-match IPL career, Chahal has represented Mumbai Indians (2011-2013), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2014–2021), Rajasthan Royals (2022-2024), and is currently playing for Punjab Kings under the leadership of Shreyas Year.
Over the years, Chahal has bowled under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson and now Iyer. Asked how he enjoyed the most freedom during the bowling, Chahal said: “Whatever captain I have played under the captain, whether it is freedom, whether it is for India or in the IPL. A bowler always has a plan, and when you share it confidently with your captain, it makes a difference. I have a difference under each captain.
“Last year, I played for Rajasthan Royals and this is the place where I learned the art of bowling on death. Earlier, I never bowled in the overs of death. When you go to a new team, you raise new skills,” said Chahal in Geohotstar Press Room with Punjab Kings.
Playing under Iyer, Legi explained why he was enjoying the stent with PBKs.
“I know Shreyas really well-he is a good friend of mine. He gives you a lot of freedom. You can contact him at any time. He is very calm. It’s not that if the opposition is scoring runs, he will be nervous-he is composed. He listens to everyone, he listens, he is very open, and I am really enjoying playing under his captaincy,” he said.
Chahal last came to a T20 against the West Indies in Lauderhill, in an international match in 2023. Since then, leg-spinner has been out of the national setup. He once formed a malignant spin pair with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav-a partnership that is equally called ‘Kulcha’ by fans and cricketers.
Asked about a possible return and iconic pair, Chahal, who claimed 121 wickets in 72 Odis and 96 in 80 T20I, said: “I have memories of the word ‘Kul-Cha’ and my partnership with Kuldeep (Yadav). This bond will always be special.”
“Kuldeep is doing so well now-I am really happy for him. He is best. In my view, he is the number 1 wrist-spinner in the world. Right now, this is IPL. We will see what the future is,” he said.
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