Yuzvendra Chahal speaks about Kohli-Dhoni influence in the team

Yuzvendra Chahal is all set to don the spin bowling department’s honours in the upcoming Australian series in absence of the spin twin of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. It has been a long journey for Chahal, from bamboozling international batsmen in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to now doing the same in international cricket.

The leg-spinner is expected to be a key figure as Team India takes on Australia in the 5-match ODI series slated to begin on Sunday in Chennai. Ahead of the much-awaited series, the Haryanvi lad had a lot to share regarding the influence skipper Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni has had in his career and also his prospects about the Australian series.

Kohli and Dhoni’s influence

Chahal mentioned how the two have constantly been guiding him in his career, “It is always crucial to have a guiding light, but fortunately for me, I have two in Kohli bhai and Mahi bhai. While the skipper is like a friend, constantly trusting me to go ahead and implement the plans I wish to on the field, Mahi bhai is more like the mentor I turn to every time I have any doubt in my head. Being the wicketkeeper, he has a clear idea of what is going on and what could be the ideal strategy against a certain batsman,” he was quoted as saying by News18.

For someone who hasn’t had much international experience and is rather new to the stage, Chahal should’ve been worried on how to restrict the likes of David Warner and Steve Smith. However, he enjoys the confidence of the skipper and seems in the right frame and raring to face the challenges.

“I must say that thanks to the skipper, I now have the confidence to bowl anywhere in the innings and in any situation. Be it the first over of a T20 game or the 50th over of an ODI game, I am ready to go through the grind and give it my best. And I must say that along with having faith in my own belief, it is the seniors like Kohli bhai and Mahi bhai who make the job of youngsters like me easier,” he said.

His partnership with Kohli goes back to the Royal Challengers Bangalore team in the IPL where the leggie has been their lead spinner for the last few seasons. In his view, having played together for RCB, the skipper knows him better as a bowler and that helps him make precise decisions with regards to deploying him and getting the best results.

“Playing under him in the IPL has ensured that he has a clear idea as to what is my strength and weakness and I am sure that helps him to decide on how he wishes to use me. Also, I feel that both the IPL and playing for India has its own charm and you need to give it your best every time you walk into the field. To me, both are equally important as while I have a city vying for me in the IPL, the country looks up at me to bring smiles every time I wear the national cap,” the 27-year-old added.