Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal credited his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals for giving him the confidence to bowl in the slog overs.
Chahal moved from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to Rajasthan Royals this year and finished the season with most wickets – 27 in 17 matches at an economy rate of 19.52, seven of those wickets came in the death overs (16-20).
Yuzvendra Chahal opens up on bowling in death overs
Although Chahal bagged his first Purple cap in the IPL, his efforts were not enough as Rajasthan Royals finished runners-up to new team Gujarat Titans this year.
Chahal picked a couple of wickets in the first ODI match against India. He got the better of Rovman Powell and later dismissed the in-form Brandon King in the 45th over.
Romario Shepherd hit Chahal for a six in the 47th over but the spinner managed to hold it to a nine-run over. India went on to win the game by three runs on the excellent bowling by Mohammed Siraj in the final over.
“I was confident (of bowling in death) from there (Rajasthan Royals). They have given me a role where I need to bowl 2-3 overs after the 40-over mark,” Chahal told reporters in a video uploaded by Sports Today on its YouTube channel.
Shikhar Dhawan is bonding with everyone like a brother: Yuzvendra Chahal
India’s stand-in skipper Shikhar Dhawan had touched upon creating a lively atmosphere in the team dressing room ahead of the series.
Speaking on Dhawan’s nature as a leader, Chahal mentioned his jolly relationship with teammates.
“I think he (Dhawan) is a cool guy. He is bonding with everyone and is like a brother. We don’t just talk about our plans, we also have fun on and off the field,” Chahal said.
India will play against West Indies in the second ODI on Sunday (July 24) at the Queen’s Park Oval. If India manages to beat Nicholas Pooran and his men here then they create a history of winning consecutive bilateral series against a single opponent.
India have defeated West Indies in 11 straight ODI bilateral series only Pakistan has the same record against Zimbabwe.
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