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The Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has noted the parallels between MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya's leadership styles. Speaking before the second T20I between India and the West Indies, Chahal claimed that Hardik gives his bowlers the same freedom as MS Dhoni does.
When asked about the various leadership styles of India's captains, Chahal responded that he views it as being led by four brothers, with MS Dhoni being the oldest. Chahal referred specifically to Hardik Pandya's leadership, noting that the all-rounder offers advice only when the bowler's strategy is failing.
“I see it this way - You have four brothers in your family. The eldest brother was MS Dhoni, then came Virat, Rohit, and now Hardik. The process 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 can set our own field,” Chahal stated at the pre-match press conference ahead of the second T20I.
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“Even Hardik is a go-to bowler; if the plan doesn’t work, he provides his own input. So, there are not any wholesome changes when it comes to leadership. The bowler in the team always receives the freedom he needs from his captain,” Chahal went on to say further.
Chahal continued by talking about his recent lack of chances. He thinks that the starting lineup is chosen based on the squad composition and the conditions of the pitch. "I am very happy that I get the opportunity to wear the blue jersey every day. I am with the team now, travel with the team and do net sessions with them, and not at home. It is not an individual game. I have also played chess-that's an individual game, but this is a team game," Chahal said.
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Over the past few years, Chahal has played a significant role for the Indian squad in white-ball cricket. He has taken 72 wickets in 72 ODIs at an average of 27.13 and a miserly economy rate of 5.26. His 6/42 in the 50-over format are his career-best figures.
