Sportskeeda Exclusive Interview: Yuzvendra Chahal of Mumbai Indians

There’s no dearth of talent and passion for cricket i India. One of the better things about the IPL is giving up chances to young deserving talents. Yuzvendra Singh Chahal, hailing from a small town Jind, Haryana is a budding example of that. Playing for IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, this young man has already made his mark. Hitting the winning the runs against Trinidad and Tobago in a last ball thriller at the last year’s CLT20 for example.

Sportskeeda caught up with him and here’s what he has to say:

Q.You are probably one of the youngest player in the Mumbai Indians. How does it feel being part of such a great team?

- This year I am not the youngest, as some younger players like Kuldeep Yadav and Apurva Wankhede have joined in. Mumbai Indians is like a dream team for me with such legendary players playing for it. It’s a great privilege and honour for me to be a part of this team. I feel that I am really blessed.

Q. As a youngster how much do you learn from your seniors?

- I learn all the time whether its on field or off field. Its not just about cricket but about every walk of life which is the best part because it creates a bond between all the players which is more than being just teammates. I guess we live up to our team caption “play like one” because everyone really gets along well off the field which reflects on field.

Q. Do Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh give you tips and advice?

- Oh yes, for sure. Bhajji pa during practice always guides me about how I should bowl to different batsman and other useful tips to improve my bowling. Sachin sir, without doubt, is a God of the game. Every time you watch him bat, you learn something.

Q. Being a youngster do you get teased or played pranks on by the seniors?

- Oh yes I love teasing others and the others tease me a lot too. Last year during Champions League I had a cold and I am not very fond of ice bath. So Symonds and Blizzard made a plan to throw me into the ice tub. So, they picked me up with the help of Rob Gibbson and threw me into the tub with my clothes on. I had to go back to the hotel in a towel while they just laughed hysterically throughout.

Q. Mumbai Indians this year are strong contenders of the IPL trophy. Do you think you can take away the trophy this time?

- Yes definitely, we are a great side. We were faltering a little bit in the initial stages but now we are back in the groove and every player is performing very well. We just have to keep this momentum going and win every match from here on. We are really confident of getting our hands on the trophy which eluded us last year.

Q. You were given your chance in the Champions League and you also performed pretty well. Do you think this year in the IPL, since you are amongst the youngest has proved disadvantageous as you haven’t been given much of a chance to play?

- Yes Champions League was great as we won the trophy. I loved playing in the first eleven and win matches for Mumbai Indians. But its not about being young but more about what is the right combination which can win you matches. Therefore, its totally fine with me as long as we are winning matches and performing well. There are still many more matches to go and I am hopeful that I will get my chances as well. I am still pretty young and I know I’ll have my chances in the near future, but till then I am happy enough just to be a part of such a legendary team.

Q.How important is a tournament like the IPL for you?

- IPL now is a very important tournament as it gives you a platform to showcase your talent and play alongside great players. The experience which I have gained during the IPL is going to stay with me for a lifetime. I never imagined, I’ll be playing with Sachin sir, Bhajji pa, Malinga, Pollard and the others. Playing in the IPL has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to work harder. When you share a dressing room with such great players, the desire to do well increases and you have that burning desire inside to give more than 100 percent for the team.