Chahal goes back to old passion, says chess taught him to be patient on cricket field

Chess master-turned-cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal on Sunday went back to his old passion, headlining an online blitz event organised by chess.com, and said the sport taught him to be patient on the cricket field.

A former national Under-12 chess champion, India cricketer Chahal has the distinction of having represented the country at the World Youth Chess Championships, and is listed on the World Chess Federation (FIDE) website. His Elo rating is 1956.

In a freewheeling interaction with Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta and International Master Rakesh Kulkarni before the event got underway, Chahal said, "Chess taught me patience. In cricket, you may be bowling well but you may not get wickets.

"Like in a Test match you may have bowled well in a day but not got wickets but you have to come back the next day so you need to be patient. Chess has helped me a lot in that way. I have learnt to be patient and get batsmen out."
"I had to chose between chess and cricket. I spoke to dad who said the choice was (yours). I had more interest in cricket and opted for it."
"I don't get to spend too much time with my family. After many years I am at home. I am spending a lot of time with my family. It is a good and new experience. I sleep late and wake up late and spend time with my family members in the evening."
"I do plan while bowling and discuss with the keeper. Like I used to tell Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) what I am likely to bowl."