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'He Gives us Freedom as Bowlers': Yuzvendra Chahal Compares Hardik Pandya's Captaincy With MS Dhoni

image-lkz8x0hwYuzvendra Chahal with Hardik Pandya during NZ tour in 2022 (BCCI)

Yuzvendra Chahal, currently in West Indies, has opened up on his experience of playing under different captains for Team India. The ace spinner made his international debut during MS Dhoni’s captaincy run back in 2016. As of now, he is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 93 scalps to his name.

Chahal praised Dhoni by stating that the former Indian captain often gave freedom to his bowlers, and added that current interim skipper Hardik Pandya also seems to be following the same path.

Chahal says he can set his own field under Pandya’s leadership

Yuzvendra Chahal recently attended a pre-match conference prior to India’s second T20I of their five-match series against hosts West Indies. With Rohit Sharma’s absence, his deputy Hardik Pandya has been tasked to lead the side.

Chahal was asked to compare the different captains he has played under since his debut. The ace spinner responded that while all captains have had an equal desire for winning, MS Dhoni often gave his bowlers complete freedom in setting their fields.

The 33-year-old further claimed that Pandya is also providing his same bowlers the same freedom, much like the legendary wicketkeeper used to do during his playing days.

“I see it this way - You have four brothers in your family. MS Dhoni was the big brother, then came Virat, Rohit and now Hardik. The equation remains the same. Nothing changes. On the ground, everyone wants their team to win. He (Hardik Pandya) gives us freedom as a bowler. The same freedom we used to receive, Hardik is giving us now. We can set our own field.”

In the meantime, India’s ongoing series against West Indies will be followed by a three-T20I assignment in Ireland.

While Chahal has been excluded from the squad for the Ireland T20Is, the spin legend will be aiming for his ODI return to the side in time for the forthcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.