Although many coaches have played a part in developing Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav as potent spinners, legendary wicketkeeper MS Dhoni’s role in their evolution can’t be ignored.
When Dhoni was a regular feature in India’s white-ball set-up, cricket fans often witnessed him plotting the dismissal of some of world’s top batsmen by guiding Chahal and Kuldeep from behind the stumps.
While Kuldeep has acknowledged Dhoni’s role in him becoming a better bowler time and again, Chahal recently did the same in an exclusive chat with TimesofIndia.com.
“Mahi bhai is one of the best and greatest players India has produced. He has helped me and Kuldeep during matches. Some times, a batsman hits me for boundaries and then he comes, puts his hands around my shoulder and says 'isko googly daal, ye nahi khel payega' (Bowl him a googly, he will not be able to play). Tips from him really works well in the team's favour," Chahal said.
“This has happened so many times. In South Africa, when I took my first five-for. JP Duminy was batting at that time. I wanted to dismiss him. Mahi bhai came to me and said 'isko seedha stump to stump daal’ (Just bowl straight to him - stump to stump). He went back behind the stumps and shouted again - 'tilli, isko dande pe hi rakhna' (Just bowl straight to him). I followed his instructions. Duminy tried to sweep but got out lbw,” he recalled.
“In New Zealand, Tom Latham was batting and was continuously playing sweep shots. I tried googlies and leg spins but those didn't work out against him. He was hitting me for boundaries. I was really disappointed. Mahi bhai came to me and said 'line change mat karna, isko aage daal aur stumps pe rakhna' (Don't change your line. Pitch the ball up to him and keep it on the stumps) . Latham was out off the very next ball. I hugged Mahi bhai after that dismissal,” the wrist-spinner continued.
Chahal also narrated how Dhoni takes charge as captain when skipper Virat Kohli, being one of the best athletes in the team, goes to the boundary for fielding in the death overs.
“After 40 overs, Virat bhaiya fields at the boundary and you need someone to teach you and guide you. Sometimes, I look at Mahi bhai and he gets to know from my body language that I want to ask something or have some confusion. He comes to me and resolves those issues," Chahal said.
“50 percent of the problem he solves before I come on to bowl. The same happens with Kuldeep too. He (Dhoni) is a problem solver for Kuldeep and I,” he added.
It has been more than a year since MS Dhoni last played any form of competitive cricket. The World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand at Old Trafford was his last appearance in Team India colours.
He was set to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League but the Coronavirus outbreak forced the BCCI to suspend the cash-rich event indefinitely.
“I believe there is so much of cricket still left in Mahi bhai. His comeback will be good for us. But that's his decision,” Chahal concluded.
