The Indian leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal had a funny response to his wrist-spin partner, Kuldeep Yadav who recalled the first time he met his fellow wrist spinner. During a recent chat with India Today, addressed a range of issues including the saliva ban and India’s chances at the T20 World Cup.
Kuldeep, younger than Chahal, remembered the first time he met his senior when he was selected by Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The chinaman recalled, “I remember meeting Chahal at the breakfast table when I was selected by the Mumbai Indians. He gave me a lot of respect and the bond grew from there. He cares a lot for me and treats me like a younger brother. He gives me ideas about life and cricket.”
Chahal, known for his sense of humor, quipped: Pagle, rulayega kya?”
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Both Kuldeep and Chahal said they were missing cricket because of the lockdown but revealed they had both focussed their attention on hobbies. While Chahal has spent time making videos on social media, Kuldeep has used the time to focus on painting.
The Indian leggie said, “In the first two weeks nothing much happened, but after that, I spent time with family. Then I ordered some gym equipment and started working out regularly. I also participated in a chess tournament for charity, I also play with dad sometimes.”
The wrist-spin duo also opened up about the team’s chances at T20 World Cup, saying India are favorites. Chahal said the talks over the T20 World Cup and IPL 2020 happening this year in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic is good news. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has against delayed the final call on T20 World Cup to July even as Australia is planning to allow a limited number of spectators in stadiums as part of easing the restrictions due to Covid-19 in July.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is hopeful of hosting the IPL 2020 in September-October window if the ICC decides to postpone the T20 World Cup.
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Talking about the same, Chahals said, “This is really good news for the game and for the fans. If the lockdown didn’t happen then we wouldn’t have got the time to do anything. But now with the resumption of cricket, we will get to do the things that we were missing out on. Ganguly sir also said that the IPL also might be possible. We have a really good team, we have good all-rounders, batsmen and especially the bowlers. If you ask me then I think we will be the No. 1 contenders.”
Kuldeep Yadav said he misses the feeling of playing with the team and he is still hopeful that cricket will soon be resuming.
The chinaman said, “Now with the reducing number of cases in New Zealand and Australia, the T20 World Cup might also be possible. It will take a bit more time, maybe 1-2 months, but if cricket returns after that it will be great for all of us. Our spin attack has been one of the best, so has been the batting. Hopefully, the T20 World Cup will happen and get the trophy back home.”
