Yuzvendra Chahal has credited former India captain MS Dhoni for playing a crucial role in shaping his career during his early years in international cricket. Speaking on a podcast with former India opener Aakash Chopra, the leg-spinner reflected on how Dhoni’s experience, tactical awareness, and advice from behind the stumps helped him and Kuldeep Yadav become more effective bowlers. Chahal explained that Dhoni’s ability to read the pitch and anticipate batters’ movements gave India’s wrist spinners a significant advantage.
His guidance helped simplify their decision-making, allowing them to focus on executing their plans rather than overthinking every delivery. “50% mera or Kuldeep ka kaam asaan hi hojaata tha, kyunki ek toh wo picche se dekh rahe ki wicket kaisa chl rha hai with experience, piche se bol rahe ki stump pe hi rakhna zyada krne ki zarurat nahi hai, waise hi out ho jaate the batters,” Yuzvendra Chahal said on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel.
The former India spinner also recalled a memorable performance against South Africa in the second ODI at Centurion in February 2018. Chahal claimed five wickets for just 22 runs, while Kuldeep picked up three wickets as India bowled South Africa out for 118. India subsequently secured a nine-wicket victory.
ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Backs Shai Hope For IPL 2027, Reveals Why RCB Is An Option
During that match, Dhoni’s advice proved particularly valuable when South African batter JP Duminy was at the crease. Chahal revealed that the former captain encouraged him to keep bowling at the stumps while varying his pace according to the situation.
“jab maine centurion me 2018 me five wickets liya tha, tab JP Duminy batting kar rahe the toh unhone (Dhoni) bol diya tha ki yuzi stump pe hi rakhiyo, pace apne hisaab se change krta rahiyo, wo dusri teesri ball me sweep maarne maine ball dhire dala or wo lbw out ho gaye,” Yuzvendra Chahal recalled.
The dismissal highlighted Dhoni’s ability to identify a batter’s likely response and communicate a simple but effective plan. For Chahal, such instructions were especially important during the early stages of his international career, when having an experienced voice behind the stumps made a considerable difference.
During the conversation, Chopra also asked Chahal whether Dhoni’s retirement affected him and Kuldeep. The spinner acknowledged that the absence of Dhoni’s guidance was noticeable, but explained that the former captain had already helped them develop the confidence to make their own decisions.
ALSO READ: Hanuma Vihari Extends Support To Abhishek Sharma After India’s Loss To West Indies in 4th T20I
“Umhone hame mature bna diya tha ki hame pta h kya krna h but han definitely fark toh pda hi tha but unhone mujhe or Kuldeep ko prepare kr diya tha,” Yuzvendra Chahal said.
His comments underline Dhoni’s lasting influence on India’s bowling attack, particularly the development of two wrist spinners who benefited from his tactical understanding and calm leadership.
