Yuzvendra Chahal, the seasoned leg-spinner currently representing Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025, has opened up about his experiences under the captaincy of the legendary MS Dhoni. In a candid interview, Chahal revealed that he can decipher only a small fraction of what goes on in Dhoni’s mind, estimating it to be around “2 or 3 percent.”
Dhoni, known for his astute reading of the game and his ability to communicate effectively with his bowlers, was a pivotal figure in Chahal’s career. “Mahi bhai has watched me bowl from behind the stumps for years. He knows how I bowl, what I think, and what I’m likely to do,” Chahal explained. This deep understanding stems from years of playing together, particularly during Chahal’s time with the Indian team and in the IPL.
Chahal’s career trajectory has seen him play under various captains, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson, and now Shreyas Iyer at Punjab Kings. He credits each of them for giving him the freedom to execute his plans on the field. “Every captain I’ve played under has given me freedom, whether for India or in the IPL,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of bowler-captain communication.
Reflecting on his stint with Rajasthan Royals last year, Chahal highlighted his growth in bowling during the death overs, a skill he honed under Samson’s leadership. “When you move to a new team, you pick up new skills,” he noted, underscoring the continuous learning aspect of his career.
Chahal also spoke fondly of his current captain, Shreyas Iyer, praising his calm demeanor and open-minded approach. “He gives you a lot of freedom. You can approach him at any time,” Chahal said, expressing his enjoyment in playing under Iyer’s captaincy.
Looking ahead, Chahal is excited about the upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings, where he hopes to bowl to Dhoni once again. “If he walks in between overs 1–10, we know we have to attack. But if he comes in the later stages of the match, we understand exactly what he’ll try to do,” he shared, indicating the strategic planning that goes into facing a player of Dhoni’s caliber.
Despite being out of the national setup since his last international appearance in 2023 against West Indies, Chahal remains optimistic about his future. He fondly reminisced about his partnership with Kuldeep Yadav, known affectionately as ‘KulCha’. “That bond will always remain special,” he said, expressing his happiness for Kuldeep’s current success and acknowledging him as the world’s top wrist-spinner.
As Punjab Kings prepare to face Chennai Super Kings, Chahal’s insights into Dhoni’s mind and his own journey through the IPL add an intriguing layer to the upcoming match, promising fans a thrilling encounter on the field.