On Sunday, Indian international spinner Yuzvendra Chahal decided to recall his childhood days when the RCB star used to be a chess champion. A national Under-12 chess champion, Cahahal has the honor of Representing India at the World Youth Chess Championships. He joined Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta and International Master Rakesh Kulkarni in a freewheeling interaction before headlining an online blitz event organized by chess.com.
Chahal said, “Chess taught me patience. In cricket, you may be bowling well but you may not get wickets. Like in a Test match you may have bowled well in a day but not got wickets but you have to come back the next day so you need to be patient. Chess has helped me a lot in that way. I have learned to be patient and get batsmen out.”
Upon being asked on his decision of moving away from playing chess as a profession and choosing cricket over the board game, the Indian spinner mentioned that his interest level for cricket was more than chess which made him pursue the biggest following sport in India.
“I had to chose between chess and cricket. I spoke to dad who said the choice was (yours). Had more interest in cricket and opted for it.”
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Chahal also mentioned the wicket he took of South Africa batsman Faf du Plessis in the 2019 World Cup as one of his best because it was his first world up and Faf was a big wicket in a big game.
Speaking on how he is spending his time under isolation as the whole world is tragically affected by the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus, Chahal said that he is happy to finally get some time to spend with his family members
“I don’t get to spend too much time with my family. After many years I am at home. I am spending a lot of time with my family. It is a good and new experience. I sleep late and wake up late and spend time with my family members in the evening.”
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The RCB player also mentioned how he tries to keep up with chess by playing online whenever possible and follow the happenings in major chess events at times. Chahal also mentioned the planning it takes for a bowler and how he discusses his plans with Indian maestro and wicketkeeper MS Dhoni when he is about to bowl.
“I do plan while bowling and discuss with the keeper. Like I used to tell Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) what I am likely to bowl.”
Chahal, who has played 52 ODIs and 42 T20 Internationals for the Indian cricket team signed off with, “Please remain at home, this is an opportunity for you to become a hero. We have to remain united to fight coronavirus. You can read, learn dance, cook, learn new things in the time available.”
