Chahal — Rohit's Primary Wicket-Taking Weapon

He has been the best bowler on show by a distance and the biggest threat with the ball

- Shreedutta Chidananda

Yuzvendra Chahal deserved his first wicket on Thursday long before he actually claimed it.

He had thoroughly deceived Liton Das in his first over, the batsman stranded out of his crease, swiping at thin air, looking silly. All that was left was for the wicketkeeper to complete what are frequently referred to as the formalities. Except these things are not always guaranteed; nothing is.

Rishabh Pant had gathered the ball in front of the wicket, contravening Law 27.3.1, and so the umpire called no-ball. And on Das batted. The free-hit went for four, as did the ball after. Insult to injury.

At the end of that over, Pant walked over to Chahal, stretching out a hand in apology. Chahal patted him on the back of the head, as if to say it was OK. He knew he was not done yet.

The best

Over these two matches, Chahal has been the best bowler on show by a distance.