‘I’ve learnt to predict batters’

Yuzvendra Chahal is on course to becoming the highest wickettaker for the first time in the IPL Holding the Purple Cap with 26 wickets from 14 matches in the IPL15 the Rajasthan Royals leggiersquos only competition is secondplaced Royal Challengers Bangalore legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga 24 wicketsChahal along with veteran offie R Ashwin has taken RR to the playoffs for the first time since 2018 having finished in the Top2 with 18 points The last time they finished in the Top2 RR went on to win the titlemdash2008In an interview with midday Chahal opened up about topping the wickets chart his preparation before the IPL his unique celebration and how his nonselection for the 2021 T20 World Cup spurred him on Edited excerpts from an interviewHow does it feel to wear the Purple CapItrsquos something very special I took many wickets before but this time it was different The franchise was new and the pitches were repetitive To perform like this in these conditions makes me very proud of myselfCan you tell us about your preparation ahead of the IPLI was preparing with a new team this time The coaches are very good and helped me gain new perspectives When you practise with Lasith Malinga RRrsquos bowling coach you always learn I learnt to predict a batterrsquos mentality more accurately andthat has helped us in tough times through this tournamentYou have varied your pace smartly apart from your variations Could you tell us a bit more about this aspect of your bowlingVarying pace is one of the most powerful weapons a bowler can have A slight variation can transform a six to an easy catch It all depends on how much you can judge the batter If he is playing defensively a faster ball can get you a breakthrough Similarly when he is in an attacking mode a slower ball can be usefulDid the setback of the T20 World Cup spur you onYes not being selected was upsetting But in a way it motivated me to perform better As a professional cricketer what I can do is be in my best form whenever my country needs me I believe I am progressing on this pathCritics had almost written you off How did you cope with that phaseIt doesnrsquot bother me what critics are saying The only thing I care about is how I am going to perform in my next match Once you are confident about your next game you can cope with any adverse situationHow heartening is it to see Kuldeep Yadav among the Top5 wickettakersIt is good to see him perform at this level and terrifying batsmen again I feel very happy for him and look forward to serving our country together with him againCan you tell us about your unique celebrationMy fans have turned a simple pose sitting on the ground in a relaxed manner legs crossed into a viral trend I used it as my signature celebration to dedicate my success to my fans and the people who have always believed in meYour favourite memory of playing gully cricket and how you see this association with Mojrsquos initiativeIn my childhood I used to play chess regularly So I used to experiment with some of my chess tactics on the cricket field I remember one gully cricket match where hitting a sixer was considered out My team was chasing a total and I was bowling the first over I was instructed not to bowl on the leg side since that was the batsmanrsquos favourite zone But just like people sacrifice the queen in chess with the hope of a positive outcome later I bowled a full toss on the leg side The batter could not resist hit it for a six and got out It was an exciting yet hilarious moment but my gamble paid off Gully cricket is our soul and a part of culture It gives rise to dreams and dreams when achieved makes legends What Moj is doing for the promotion of gully cricketers in India is amazing It will definitely help nurture some young talent