Here's how Chahal reacted following Dhoni's World Cup semis dismissal
Indian fans suffered a heartbreak during the ICC World Cup 2019, following India's ouster in the semis against New Zealand. The real heartbreak came following the dismissal of former skipper MS Dhoni, which sealed India's fate in the tournament. Meanwhile, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who came in to bat next, revealed his sad reaction following the dismissal of Dhoni. Here's what he said.
I was trying to hold back my tears: Chahal
Chahal revealed that as he was preparing to come out to bat following Dhoni's dismissal, he was finding it difficult to hold his tears. He also said that the team was looking to go back to the hotel soon after the match following their dismal performance. "We played so well for nine games, but suddenly, we were going out of the tournament," he recalled.
How did the match pan out?
Winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson elected to bat first on a seemingly dry surface. However, they were off to a slow start, followed by a rain delay, which forced the play to the reserve day. Courtesy Ross Taylor's 74, they did manage to post a total of 239/8. While it seemed gettable, the Indian batsmen succumbed to New Zealand's lethal bowling.
Chahal looks to win a World Cup for India
Chahal was playing his maiden World Cup for India, which did not end on a good note. However, he has stated that he would look to win at least a World Cup for the nation. "We won in New Zealand, Australia, and West Indies and if we win the T20 World Cup next year, all the noise will die down," Chahal said.
Chahal ready to compete for his spot in T20I squad
As the Indian selectors are looking to have spin options ready for ICC World T20 2020, Chahal termed this as a welcome move, asides stating that he will work harder to retain his spot in the side. "Your job is to perform. When we [Kuldeep and me] came, we performed really well. After IPL, our bench strength has got pretty strong too," he concluded.
Records held by Chahal in international cricket
Here are some of the records held by Chahal in international cricket: He is the first Indian to claim a T20I five-for. He is also the first leg-spinner to claim a five-for and a six-for in T20Is, asides having the best bowling figures by a leggie in the format (6/25). He claimed the most T20I wickets in 2017 (23).