I can read 2 or 3 percent of MS Dhoni’s mind: Yuzvendra Chahal | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni’s remarkable knack for reading a batter or bowler’s body language, devising a plan on the spot, and delivering game-changing results is no secret. From sharp stump-mic instructions like “idhar daal,” “seedha daal,” or “off stump pe rakhna,” Dhoni’s voice was a constant guide for his bowlers during his captaincy days.
The former India skipper often got under the skin of his bowlers — not hesitating to scold them, deliver fiery pep talks, and on occasions, hand out a rare “shabaash.” One of the many Indian bowlers to have experienced Dhoni’s sharp cricketing mind firsthand is Yuzvendra Chahal.
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The leg-spinner has been on the receiving end of Mahi’s tough love on multiple occasions but he credits a large part of his success to the wisdom and guidance of the legendary wicketkeeper.

Punjab Kings, with two wins and one loss in their three matches so far, are gearing up to take on Chennai Super Kings next on Tuesday. And Yuzvendra Chahal can’t wait for the opportunity to meet and bowl to ‘Mahi bhai’ once again.
The veteran leg-spinner, currently playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, remains the highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history at 34 years of age.
“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. I can read — maybe 2 or 3 percent — of what Mahi bhai is thinking. I know the kind of situations he comes in to bat. 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. We plan accordingly,” Chahal said.
“You can’t give him an easy ball — if you do, he’ll send it out of the park,” the leg-spinner added.
In his 163-match IPL career, Chahal has represented Mumbai Indians (2011–2013), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2014–2021), Rajasthan Royals (2022–2024), and is currently playing for Punjab Kings under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer.
Over the years, Chahal has bowled under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson, and now Iyer. When asked under whose leadership he enjoyed the most freedom while bowling, Chahal said: “Every captain I’ve played under has given me freedom, whether for India or in the IPL. A bowler always has a plan, and when you share it confidently with your captain, it makes a difference. I’ve had complete freedom under every captain I’ve played for.”
“Last year, I played for Rajasthan Royals and that’s where I learned the art of bowling at the death. Before that, I had never bowled in the death overs. When you move to a new team, you pick up new skills,” said Chahal on JioHotstar Press Room with Punjab Kings.
On playing under Iyer, the leggie explained why he is enjoying the stint with PBKS.
“I know Shreyas really well — he’s a good friend of mine. He gives you a lot of freedom. You can approach him at any time. He’s very calm. It’s not like if the opposition is scoring runs, he’ll panic — he remains composed. He listens to everyone, he’s very open-minded, and I’m really enjoying playing under his captaincy,” he said.
Chahal last featured in an international match in 2023, a T20I against West Indies at Lauderhill. Since then, the leg-spinner has been out of the national setup. He once formed a formidable spin duo with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav — a partnership famously dubbed ‘KulCha’ by fans and cricketers alike.
When asked about a potential comeback and the iconic pairing, Chahal, who has claimed 121 wickets in 72 ODIs and 96 in 80 T20Is, said: “I have fond memories of the term ‘Kul-Cha’ and my partnership with Kuldeep (Yadav). That bond will always remain special.”
“Kuldeep is doing so well right now — I’m really happy for him. He’s the best. In my eyes, he’s the No. 1 wrist-spinner in the world. Right now, it’s the IPL. We’ll see what the future holds,” he said.