New Delhi: Indian cricket team’s ace spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav ruled the game for years and they returned off the field to discuss their bond with each other. Talking in the YouTube show ‘Breakfast With Champions’, the wrist spinners shared how they met for the first time and talked about the brotherly relationship they have.
Talking about their first meet, Kuldeep said that they met in Mumbai in 2012 and he had seen Chahal playing in IPL. He said that he was just 17 then and they met over breakfast and they talked a bit. He added that they became friends when he was signed for Mumbai Indians. Host Gaurav Kapur came up with an interesting trivia that Chahal was the one who dismissed Yadav in his debut First Class game.
The two also shared that they go to each other for advice. Kuldeep said that Chahal is his senior and has stood by him in tough times. He revealed that when he was recovering from injury, he had mood swings and was not doing well mentally, but Chahal talked him through and asked him to calm down. Chahal shared that he does not take multiple advice and goes to Kuldeep as he understands the game. They also said that there is no competition between them and acknowlegded the fact that whoever plays better deserves a spot in Indian team.
They also shared the origin of their nickname ‘Kul-cha’ and said that they played their first overseas series together in 2018 in South Africa where Kuldeep picked 17 wickets and Chahal got 16 scalps and it was after that Virender Sehwag came up with the names ‘Kul-cha’ and ‘Cha-ku’.
Chahal revealed an interesting stat that they have played 34 games together and have picked 135 wickets between them.
Sharing some hilarious incidents, Chahal told once Kuldeep bit Shikhar Dhawan on his shoulder during a game after the batter pulled his ears. He also revealed that Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and other youngsters are good at pranks and pulling legs and they often target Kuldeep in the dressing room.
On a serious note, Kuldeep shared about his bond with late legend Shane Warne and said that he cried after his death. Kuldeep said that during the Australia series, Warne asked him to just have a smile while playing and not worry about the game. He added that after picking a five-wicket haul, he dedicated it to Warne and the Aussie spinner had tears in his eyes.
They are currently playing in the IPL 2023. Yuzvendra Chahal is representing Rajasthan Royals while Kuldeep Yadav is playing for Delhi Capitals.
