Photo via CricTracker

'50% kaam aasaan ho jaata tha' - Yuzvendra Chahal reveals how MS Dhoni shaped his career

Yuzvendra Chahal recently discussed the significant influence MS Dhoni exerted on his development as an international spinner. During a conversation with Aakash Chopra, Chahal explained that Dhoni provided tactical oversight from behind the stumps, which simplified the decision-making process for both him and Kuldeep Yadav.

This guidance allowed the bowlers to focus on hitting specific lines, as Dhoni frequently identified the pitch conditions and offered real-time adjustments that often led to dismissals.

Chahal highlighted a specific 2018 ODI against South Africa as a prime example of this partnership. During that match, Dhoni instructed Chahal to maintain a stump-to-stump line and vary his pace against JP Duminy, resulting in an lbw dismissal.

Chahal finished that game with five wickets for 22 runs, while Kuldeep Yadav added three wickets to help restrict the opposition to 118 runs. India ultimately secured a nine-wicket victory, and Chahal noted that while Dhoni's eventual retirement was felt, the captain had already prepared the duo to operate independently.

Up nextCricket· 1h ago

"MS Dhoni made our job 50% easier": Yuzvendra Chahal reveals captain cool’s big contribution