Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal opened up about pressure, patience, and the realities of professional cricket during a panel discussion at the Rising Bharat Summit 2026 on Saturday. Known for his calm personality and sharp cricketing mind, Chahal shared thoughtful insights on handling expectations, staying mentally strong, and accepting the natural ebb and flow of competition in the sport.
Speaking about the constant pressure that international cricketers face, Yuzvendra Chahal explained that performing under expectations is simply part of the job. According to him, professional athletes must learn to focus only on what they can control rather than worrying about external factors. “It’s our job, that’s why we are professional cricketers,” Yzuvendra Chahal said. “The only thing firmly in your hands is your performance.”
Interestingly, Yuzvendra Chahal revealed that his interest in chess has shaped his mindset on the cricket field. The strategic nature of the game has helped him develop patience and clarity, qualities that are essential for a bowler who often has to think several moves ahead.
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“I play a bit of chess too, and I’ve acquired patience from that,” he explained. Chahal added that a valuable life lesson from his father also guides his thinking: never worry about things that are beyond your control. “When you’re playing cricket, you can’t control whether it will rain or how the pitch will behave,” he said. “So it’s better to focus on the things that are in your control.”
The experienced spinner also addressed the inevitable reality of professional sport—every player eventually gets replaced. Chahal admitted that discussions with senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni have often touched on this aspect of the game.
#Cricket | ‘Better To Be Part Of Squad Than To Watch From Home’, Feels India’s ‘World Champion’ Yuzvendra Chahal https://t.co/KC1ZlWAGBV
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“In cricket, someone always comes in to replace another player. That’s the nature of the sport,” he said. “Whether you play five years or seven years depends a lot on luck. You have to be mentally prepared for that.”
Despite these realities, Yuzvendra Chahal believes the key is to enjoy the journey and remain focused on contributing to the team. Reflecting on his experience in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Chahal pointed out that even though he didn’t play a match during India’s victorious campaign, being part of the squad itself was a matter of immense pride.
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“It isn’t an individual game, it’s a team game,” he said. “Being part of the 15-member squad is a proud moment for me.” For Yuzvendra Chahal, witnessing India lift the trophy while wearing the national jersey meant more than personal milestones. “Watching the World Cup as a member of the team is better than watching it from home,” he said. “Even if I didn’t play a game, people still call me a World Champion—and that means a lot.”
