MS Dhoni is a problem solver for Kuldeep Yadav and I: Yuzvendra Chahal

NEW DELHI: The fact that MS Dhoni has been one of the most inspirational captains the Indian men's cricket team has had is no secret.
Dhoni might not be captain any more, but his role in guiding youngsters is still a very active one.
When Dhoni stepped down as India's limited overs captain, Virat Kohli, who took over as captain had also tweeted to say "you will always be my captain."
In an interview to TimesofIndia.com, Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has called Dhoni a ‘problem solver’ for him, while talking about the many instances when the 2011 World Cup winning skipper helped him take wickets during a match.
“Mahi bhai is one the best and greatest players India has produced. He has helped me and Kuldeep during matches. Some times, a batsman hits me for boundaries and then he comes, puts his hands around my shoulder and says 'isko googly daal, ye nahi khel payega' (Bowl him a googly, he will not be able to play). Tips from him really works well in the team's favour," Chahal told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive interview.
“This has happened so many times. In South Africa, when I took my first five-for. JP Duminy was batting at that time. I wanted to dismiss him. Mahi bhai came to me and said 'isko seedha stump to stump daal’ (Just bowl straight to him - stump to stump). He went back behind the stumps and shouted again - 'tilli, isko dande pe hi rakhna' (Just bowl straight to him). I followed his instructions. Duminy tried to sweep but got out lbw,” Chahal, who has played 52 ODIs and 42 T20Is for India, recalled.
“In New Zealand, Tom Latham was batting and was continuously playing sweep shots. I tried googlies and leg spins but those didn't work out against him. He was hitting me for boundaries. I was really disappointed. Mahi bhai came to me and said 'line change mat karna, isko aage daal aur stumps pe rakhna' (Don't change your line. Pitch the ball up to him and keep it on the stumps) . Latham was out off the very next ball. I hugged Mahi bhai after that dismissal,” the 29-year-old told TimesofIndia.com.
Chahal also explained how Dhoni takes over as captain when Kohli, being one of the best fielders in the team, goes to the boundary to field in the death overs.
“After 40 overs, Virat bhaiya fields at the boundary and you need someone to teach you and guide you. Sometimes, I look at Mahi bhai and he gets to know from my body language that I want to ask something or have some confusion. He comes to me and resolves those issues," Chahal said.
“50 percent of the problem he solves before I come on to bowl. The same happens with Kuldeep too. He (Dhoni) is a problem solver for Kuldeep and I,” he added.
(Photo credit: Yuzvendra Chahal Instagram)
Dhoni last played in India colours during the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand. India were chasing 240 to win to enter the final. Dhoni scored 50 runs off 72 balls, but failed to take the Men in Blue across the finish line. India crashed out of the mega event after suffering an 18-run defeat against the Kiwis at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Dhoni, who has played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs and 98 T20Is for the country, is currently on sabbatical from international cricket.
“I believe there is so much of cricket still left in Mahi bhai. His comeback will be good for us. But that's his decision,” Chahal signed off.