‘Our relationship is beyond cricket’ – Yuzvendra Chahal on camaraderie with Rohit Sharma

The upcoming home series against New Zealand will mark the start of a new era in Indian cricket as Rohit Sharma replaces Virat Kohli as India’s T20I captain. Also, Rahul Dravid is the head coach, taking over the reins from the outgoing Ravi Shastri. Having made his international debut back in 2007, Rohit has a plethora of experience behind his back and his batting record is also phenomenal.

Hence, expectations are sky-high from him. Meanwhile, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is known to share a great bond with the veteran opener. The duo has played a lot of cricket together and their camaraderie is hidden from none. Notably, Rohit and Chahal’s bond dates way back to early 2010 when the spinner used to share the Mumbai Indians dressing room with Rohit.

Rohit Sharma treats me like a younger brother: Yuzvendra Chahal

While Chahal moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014, their bond remained intact. Speaking of the same, the spinner revealed Rohit is like a family to him. “I have always had a special bond with Rohit. We are like family. Be it him or Ritika Bhabhi (Rohit’s wife), they have always treated me like a younger brother. We always went out together for dinner,” Chahal said in an interaction with the Times of India.

Chahal also recalled how Rohit, he, and fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav strategized to dismiss Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar Azam in the 2019 World Cup. “Whenever we are on the field, I always share my views with him like the time we got Kuldeep to bowl from a certain end to Babar Azam in the 2019 World Cup and got him out,” recalled the 31-year-old.

“Our relationship is beyond our cricket. That helps on the field too when you trust someone so much. It’s always good to know that if I share something with him, there will be a positive response and vibe,” he added. Meanwhile, Chahal will have a point to prove in the upcoming series as he makes a comeback in the Indian team.

However, making a mark against an in-form Kiwi side would take some beating. Meanwhile, New Zealand will play three T20Is as a couple of Test matches in India, starting from November 17 in Jaipur.