MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain, is renowned for his exceptional leadership skills and calm demeanor on the field. His influence extends not only to fans but also to fellow cricketers, who hold him in high regard. Yuzvendra Chahal, a talented leg-spinner and an integral part of the Indian cricket team, recently shared his admiration for Dhoni in an interview. Chahal’s anecdotes shed light on Dhoni’s impact as a mentor and the trust he instills in his teammates, even during challenging times.
Yuzvendra Chahal, known for his witty nature, confessed that he becomes tongue-tied whenever he is in the presence of MS Dhoni. Despite his usually talkative personality, Chahal finds himself quiet and reserved, responding only when Dhoni directly engages with him. This silent reverence demonstrates the immense respect and admiration Chahal holds for Dhoni’s persona and cricketing prowess.
“He is only person, unke saamne aate hi meri bolti bandh ho jaati hai [I am tongue-tied in front of him]. I don’t speak a lot irrespective of the kind of mood I am in. I just sit still and reply only if Mahi bhai asks something. Otherwise, I just keep quiet,” Chahal said in an interview with Ranveer Allahbadia.
Chahal narrated an incident where he had a tough day on the field, conceding 64 runs in a T20 match against South Africa in Centurion. Despite this challenging performance, Dhoni approached Chahal and comforted him, saying, “aaj tere din nahi hai, koi baat nahi” (Today is not your day, it’s okay). Dhoni then advised Chahal to focus on the remaining deliveries and prevent further boundaries. This gesture exemplifies Dhoni’s leadership qualities, as he supported and motivated Chahal even in the face of disappointment. It taught Chahal the significance of contributing to the team’s cause, even on an off day.
“We were playing a T20 match against South Africa in Centurion. For the first time, I was hit for 64 runs in four overs. [Heinrich] Klaasen was hammering me, so he asked me whether I would bowl round the wicket. I said okay, but then Klaasen hit me for a six,” said Chahal.
“I was walking back when Mahi bhai came to me and told me, ‘aaj tere din nahi hai, koi baat nahi’ [Today is not your day, it’s okay]. But he told me that the five balls that I have left, I should try and not concede a boundary on those as that will help the team. From that experience, I realized that even if you have an off day, you can still support the team,” he added.
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Yuzvendra Chahal’s revelations about his interactions with Dhoni provide insights into the positive influence the veteran cricketer has on his teammates. Dhoni’s guidance extends beyond tactical advice, as he instills confidence, nurtures young talents, and emphasizes the importance of teamwork. Chahal’s experience demonstrates how Dhoni’s presence and words can inspire a player to overcome setbacks and continue performing for the team’s success.
Yuzvendra Chahal, a vital member of the Indian cricket team, has achieved remarkable success in both international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). With 72 One Day Internationals (ODIs) under his belt, he has claimed an impressive tally of 121 wickets. In T20Is, Chahal has showcased his skills in 75 matches, taking 91 wickets. In addition, his performances in the IPL, playing 145 matches and capturing 187 wickets, demonstrate his versatility as a spin bowler.
