'I can read what MS Dhoni is thinking': Yuzvendra Chahal makes bizarre claim

Punjab Kings (PBKS) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal spoke about the challenge of facing MS Dhoni ahead of the upcoming clash with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. Chahal said that he can only guess a small fraction — about 2 or 3 percent — of what the CSK icon is thinking despite playing together for years.

Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings are set to face off in Mullanpur on Tuesday, April 8. CSK, struggling for form, will head into the match with only one win from their first four games. On the other hand, the Shreyas Iyer-led team has had a stronger start and secured two victories from three matches.

MS Dhoni Knows How I Bowl, What I Think - Yuzvendra Chahal

Ahead of the battle between PBKS and CSK, Yuzvendra Chahal said that MS Dhoni knows his game well, having observed him closely from behind the stumps for years. However, Chahal admitted that he could barely predict Dhoni’s mindset.

"Mahi bhai has watched me bowl from behind the stumps for years. He knows how I bowl, what I think, and what I’m likely to do. I can read — maybe 2 or 3 percent — of what Mahi bhai is thinking. I know the kind of situations he comes into bat," Chahal said (via TOI).

"If he walks in between overs 1–10, we know we have to attack. But if he comes in the later stages of the match, we understand exactly what he’ll try to do. We plan accordingly. You can’t give him an easy ball — if you do, he’ll send it out of the park," he added.

Yuzvendra Chahal and MS Dhoni Endure Tough Start to IPL 2025 Season

Yuzvendra Chahal made his international debut under MS Dhoni’s captaincy during India’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2016. Both players have had a challenging start to the IPL 2025 season. Chahal, representing Punjab, has taken just one wicket in three games at an average of 102 and an economy rate of 10.20.

Dhoni has faced criticism for his limited impact with the bat for Chennai Super Kings. He has scored 76 runs at a strike rate of 138.18 and has been dismissed just once. Chennai Super Kings have also struggled, as the team has now suffered three straight defeats following their opening win against Mumbai Indians.

Shreyas Iyer Gives You a Lot of Freedom - Yuzvendra Chahal

In the same interview, Yuzvendra Chahal praised Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer for his calm and approachable leadership style. Chahal shared that Iyer gives players the freedom to express themselves and remain composed even under pressure.

"I know Shreyas really well — he’s a good friend of mine. He gives you a lot of freedom. You can approach him at any time. He’s very calm. It’s not like if the opposition is scoring runs, he’ll panic — he remains composed. He listens to everyone, he’s very open-minded, and I’m really enjoying playing under his captaincy."

Also read: Watch- MS Dhoni disregards Virat Kohli's efforts openly, taunts the former Indian captain