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How Difficult Is It To Read MS Dhoni's Mind? PBKS Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal Reveals

Soumyajit Dutta

MS Dhoni and Yuzvendra Chahal [Source: @msdfansofficial/X]MS Dhoni and Yuzvendra Chahal [Source: @msdfansofficial/X]

Yuzvendra Chahal, the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, credits MS Dhoni’s astute game-reading skills and mentorship for shaping his career, even as he gears up to face his former mentor in Punjab Kings’ clash against Chennai Super Kings.

The leg-spinner, now with his fifth IPL franchise, reflects on MS Dhoni’s unparalleled ability to decode batters and bowlers alike, calling it a “learning experience” to play under his captaincy.

Chahal On Reading MS Dhoni's Mind

At 34, Chahal continues to reinvent himself, embracing death bowling under Shreyas Iyer’s calm leadership at PBKS. While his international hiatus since 2023 lingers, the veteran remains focused on IPL success and cherishes his iconic ‘KulCha’ partnership with Kuldeep Yadav. Ahead of PBKS vs CSK, Chahal acknowledged Dhoni’s tactical mastery.

“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.”

Yuzvendra Chahal elaborated on strategies to counter Dhoni and elaborated on different strategies that will help stifle Dhoni with the bat.

“If he walks in between overs 1–10, we know we have to attack. But if he comes in the later stages… we understand exactly what he’ll try to do. You can’t give him an easy ball — if you do, he’ll send it out of the park.”

Chahal On Captaincy Styles

Chahal, who has played under four IPL captains, praised their trust in his plans. “Every captain I’ve played under has given me freedom… A bowler always has a plan, and when you share it confidently with your captain, it makes a difference.”

On Iyer’s leadership, Chahal said “He’s very calm. It’s not like if the opposition is scoring runs, he’ll panic… He listens to everyone, he’s very open-minded, and I’m really enjoying playing under his captaincy.”

Despite his India exile since 2023, Chahal remains pragmatic: “Right now, it’s the IPL. We’ll see what the future holds.” With 15 wickets in PBKS’ first seven games, his focus is clear, outsmarting Dhoni & Co. and fuelling Punjab’s playoff push.