“Mahi Bhai [Mahendra Singh Dhoni] reads the game like no other cricketer I know of. And his presence behind the stumps is going to be one of the key factors should we live up to the expectations in the upcoming World Cup.”
These words from leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, during the launch of his interactive website and brand, “Cheqmate,” underline the importance of Dhoni’s inputs to a bowler. Chahal pointed out that the bowlers held the key to India going all the way in the competition.
“I usually bowl the ninth or the 10th over. By this time, Mahi Bhai has a fair idea of the pitch and he shares it with me. Virat Bhaiya, gives me the field that I have in mind before suggesting changes.
Focussed
“In short, I remain focussed on what I have to do and not think too much about the pitch and field placements for a particular batsman,” said Chahal in a chat with The Hindu .
Among those present, Ashish Nehra felt Chahal was the kind of bowler who banks heavily on ‘will and dil (heart).” He is a smart cricketer, thanks to his grooming in chess (where he has a National age-group title) and is always smiling.
“He is 29 and has a long international career ahead of him. If I could play till 39, with all my injuries, I am sure Chahal can play for many more years. I wish him the very best,” said Nehra, who is also the bowling coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The function was attended by Chahal’s family members, close friends, associates and invitees of all the stakeholders of the launch.
