Piyush Chawla can’t think of a better team or better captain than MS Dhoni to play in IPL. Chennai Super Kings bought him for Rs 6.75 crore which made him the costliest Indian buy at the IPL auction. His long-time tenure with Kolkata Knight Riders ended last month when he was released by them.
“There can’t be a better team than CSK to play for and better captain than MS Dhoni,” said veteran leg-spinner. “As a player, you always want to be with a good team, play under a good captain and you can’t have a better team than CSK and a better leader than Mahi bhai. I can’t ask for more.”
Chawla was a part of India’s World Cup winnings squads in 2007 (T20) and 2011 (ODI). He has played three Tests, 25 ODIs and seven T20s for India. His last international appearance came in December 2012.
“It all depends on the combination. The KKR think-tank probably had a different combination on their mind. On Eden Gardens wicket now, there is not much for the spinners. They also told me that ‘we are looking for fast bowlers and there is no point having three quality spinners in the team’ and that is why they released me. So there is no bad blood between us. It is all in a healthy way,” said Chawla.
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Chawla is thankful for the faith MS Dhoni and the CSK team management has shown in him.
“It is too early to talk about that (my place in the eleven). Chennai is a big ground, it suits my style of bowling. Not many people know that I have played a lot of club cricket in Chennai in the past 12 years,” said Chawla.
“In the last big auction also, my last bid was stopped at CSK but KKR used the Right to Match (RTM card) to retain me. They have always showed faith in me. As you said, we (leggies) never go out of fashion. It is is always the attacking option. You are bound to go for runs in the T20s but also have a chance to take wickets,” he added.
Chawla added that he has no regrets in life and still not given up on an India return.
“That is how it goes. It is not only about cricket, you go through highs and lows in life in general. There is fun in that. I am still 30. I have been playing Ranji Trophy also. Basically, wherever I get to play, I go. I just love this game. If India comeback has to happen, it will happen,” Piyush Chawla added.
