He has always taken care of me, like an elder brother: Kuldeep Yadav on Yuzvendra Chahal

International cricket can be a tough place to survive. It might not be a surprise if those make it to the highs of the sport often find themselves either homesick, lonely, and out of place. Even more so, when the going gets tough, a player might develop an inferiority complex. Things can spiral out of hand quickly, and stemming the downward spiral could be a tough task if one feels isolated with no one to turn to. That is exactly where the bonding within the team matters.

India’s spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have won Team India countless games on the field. The partnership has bamboozled batsmen from across the globe, and the camaraderie the duo share is quite apparent when they take the field. Competition can lead to envy if not channeled properly, and thankfully from the Indian team’s perspective, the Kuldeep-Chahal duo has formed such a close bond that they do not let the competition get to them despite occasions when only one of the two can find a place in the playing eleven.

Highs and lows are all a part of the game and having someone who can help you through the tough times can become a valuable asset. Kuldeep and Chahal share such a relationship as the former in his own words says, “He has always taken care of me, like an elder brother. Even now, after playing so many matches together, even off the field, he gives me advice on cricket as well as off cricket. He supports me, and this bond is visible on the field as well. We’ve never had competition between us, irrespective of which of us gets picked to play.” 

For an Indian cricket fan, seeing two of their premier spinners egging each other on, and helping each other through their good and bad times is an extremely healthy, and hearty sign.