- Nasima Akter
The Bond Between Yuzvendra Chahal and MS Dhoni
Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner from India, stepped into the international cricket arena back in 2016 during a series against Zimbabwe. It was a momentous occasion for him, as he had the opportunity to play under the leadership of the revered captain, MS Dhoni. Known for his exceptional captaincy skills and remarkable achievements, Dhoni has garnered a massive fan following throughout his illustrious career. His calm demeanor, astute awareness on the field, and extraordinary decision-making abilities have made him an icon in the cricketing world. Chahal, like countless others, holds immense admiration for the former captain.
Renowned for his on-field pranks and off-field antics, Chahal has a reputation for keeping the atmosphere light-hearted and jovial. However, he recently revealed in an interview that whenever he finds himself in the presence of Dhoni, he becomes inexplicably tongue-tied. Chahal humbly admitted, "He is the only person in front of whom I am rendered speechless. Regardless of my mood, I tend to remain silent when I'm around him. I maintain my silence unless Mahi bhai initiates a conversation."
Recalling an incident during a T20 match against South Africa in Centurion, Chahal shared a heartfelt story that demonstrated Dhoni's unwavering trust and support. On that day, Chahal had an off day on the field, conceding a staggering 64 runs in just four overs. Heinrich Klaasen, the South African batsman, was mercilessly hammering him. Amidst this challenging situation, Dhoni approached Chahal and comforted him by saying, "Aaj tere din nahi hai, koi baat nahi" (Today is not your day, it's okay). Dhoni then urged Chahal to focus on the five remaining deliveries and strive to prevent boundaries, emphasizing that it would greatly benefit the team. Reflecting on this experience, Chahal realized that even during a rough patch, one can continue to contribute and support the team.
Chahal's impressive career statistics testify to his immense talent and skill as a spinner. In 72 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has claimed a remarkable total of 121 wickets, showcasing his effectiveness in the limited-overs format. Additionally, in 75 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), he has scalped an impressive 91 wickets. These numbers reflect his consistency and impact in the shorter formats of the game. Chahal's prowess extends beyond international cricket, as he has also made a significant impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Having played 145 IPL matches, he has taken an impressive tally of 187 wickets, with his best figures being an outstanding 5/40.
It is heartwarming to witness the camaraderie and mutual respect between Chahal and Dhoni. Their interaction serves as a reminder of the positive influence experienced leaders can have on the younger generation of players. Chahal's admiration for Dhoni is proof of the latter's leadership qualities, calm demeanor, and astute understanding of the game.
As Chahal continues to make significant contributions to cricket, both at the international level and in the IPL, it is evident that the guidance and support of legends like MS Dhoni have played a crucial role in shaping his career. Chahal's determination, combined with the lessons learned from his interactions with Dhoni, will undoubtedly drive him to further success in the future.
