Chahal recalls MS Dhoni’s words when he conceded 64 runs in a T20I

Batters all the time look to attack the opposition in order to score more runs in a T20 format. Some of the bowlers tend to be at the receiving end on a bad day and end up conceding a lot of runs in their quota of four overs. India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal endured one such day in 2018 in a T20I against South Africa. He ended up going for a massive 64 runs in his four overs which is still the most expensive bowling effort for India in T20Is.

In a chat with Ravi Ashwin, Chahal recalled one of the toughest days on the field for him when Heinrich Klaasen had got stuck into him smashing him for fours and sixes. However, the leggie had then found a saviour in former India skipper MS Dhoni from behind the wickets.

Chahal still remembers Dhoni’s words during his spell when nothing was working. The veteran cricketer had walked up to him to console and just told him to chill and not think much. This happened after even Dhoni’s suggestion to come around the wicket didn’t work for the leg-spinner.

“Once, in a match where I got hit for 64 runs in a T20I in South Africa, and (Heinrich) Klassen had hit me all around the park, Mahi bhai had told me to come around the wicket. I did that and he hit me for a six over the biggest boundary at mid-wicket. Then Mahi bhai came to me and I said, ‘Yes Mahi bhai, ab kya karna hai? (What should I do now?)’. He said ‘Kuch nahi, mai to waisehi aagaya tere paas. (Nothing, I just came to check upon you).

“I know it’s not your day, you are trying but it isn’t happening. Zyada sochna nahi, apne chaar ka quota khatam kar aur chill kar (Don’t think too much, just finish your four overs and chill),” Chahal said remembering the incident.

Chahal acknowledges Dhoni’s support

Yuzvendra Chahal didn’t forget to acknowledge MS Dhoni’s support during that time as he felt it was so important given that his confidence had taken a hit. Moreover, he has also realised now that there will be bad days in his career and it was one of those days for him.

“If at that time someone scolds you then your confidence level falls even lower. But he told me that it’s just one match. He said, ‘You did so well in ODIs, you won’t do well in every match, others are also playing.’ I also realized that in cricket sometimes you do well sometimes not and sometimes it’s just not your day.

“I also learned that when it’s not your day, you shouldn’t try too much and instead be economical and give others a chance to take wickets by building pressure,’ Chahal added further.