Chahal, Yadav have big shoes to fill

Having never won a series in SA, India will hope spinners turn it right to outwit Proteas in ODIS and T20s

Having played only 7 ODIS abroad of which 5 were in WI and 2 in SL, Chahal and Yadav will bowl in alien conditions Aussie charged down the wicket and twice Chahal sent it wide outside off, out of his reach.

“Maxwell is good on leg, so I bowled outside off-stump,” said Chahal, a former chess player.

He attributed the presence of mind and mental strength to chess and IPL experience. “International cricket becomes a bit easy because of IPL. You have already played with international cricketers and in front of big crowds. You get used to that kind of setup, scenario and pressure.

MENTAL STRENGTH “Chess has given me mental strength, especially patience (waiting) for wickets.”

Hirwani, who has also served as a visiting consultant for Haryana, the state Chahal represents at the domestic level, says a few adjustments have had to be made over the years.

“Chahal would come from a wide angle in his run-up. It was changed to a straight run-up. But the biggest thing he has acquired over the years is selfbelief. Self-belief helps in building confidence. With it, your skill levels go up. That has happened to Chahal.”

Against Proteas, who have never lost a series against India in their backyard, Chahal’s selfbelief could matter.

If it helps India win, it may end up making him one of India’s best spinners in limitedovers cricket.

BCCI Legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal (centre), who recently toured South Africa with India A, was successful in picking wickets. Joining the senior squad for the limitedover series, he and Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav (right) will be expected to adjust to the...