Yuzvendra Chahal on Hardik Pandya's captaincy, says he is like Dhoni; snubs Virat Kohli

The Indian men's cricket team lost to the West Indies in a closely-fought encounter in the first T20I played in Tarouba on Thursday. The home side defeated the visitors by 4 runs while defending a total of 149 runs. Big names such as Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, and Sanju Samson failed to deliver on the big occasion and got out cheaply for low scores. This was Team India's second loss on the ongoing West Indies tour. Earlier, India lost an ODI match in the three-match series.  

3 things you need to know 

• Chahal was the most successful Indian bowler in the first T20I 
• He will next be seen in action in the 2nd T20I on Sunday
• West Indies lead the five-match T20I series by a margin of 1-0

Also Read: 'Best Chance': Rohit Sharma Optimistic Of Lifting ICC ODI WC And Ending Trophy Drought

Chahal compares captaincy of Dhoni, Kohli, Pandya

India's star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who had been on the bench during the ODI series against West Indies, showcased his brilliance in the 1st T20I. Partnering with Kuldeep Yadav, Chahal mesmerized with his spin bowling, taking 2 wickets for 24 runs in 3 overs. As India prepares for the series decider against the West Indies, Chahal's expertise makes him a likely inclusion in the playing XI. Having worked with legendary captains like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, Chahal spoke about his experience under different leaders ahead of the 2nd T20I.

He likened the team's camaraderie to that of four brothers in a family. Starting with "Mahi bhai" MS Dhoni as the eldest brother, followed by Virat, Rohit, and now Hardik, Chahal explained that the equation among the players remains the same. He praised Hardik Pandya's captaincy, mentioning that he gives the bowlers the freedom they need, just like Dhoni used to. The bowlers have the liberty to set their own fields, and Pandya provides valuable input as well.

“I see it this way - You have four brothers in your family. Badey bhai they Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni - the eldest 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 gives us freedom as a bowler. The same freedom we used to receive, Hardik is giving us now. We (bowlers) can set our own field," Chahal said.

Also Read: IND Vs WI 2nd T20I: Will Rahul Dravid And Hardik Pandya Make Any Change In Playing XI?

Pandya, who shares a close bond with Dhoni, Kohli, and Rohit, is leading the Indian side in the absence of regular captain Rohit and former captain Kohli, both of whom are being rested. Chahal acknowledged that Pandya is also a go-to bowler in the limited-overs format, and his leadership style remains in line with the team's approach. Bowlers in the Indian team have always received the freedom they require from their captains, and Pandya continues that legacy.

Image: Instagram/YuzvendraChahal