While they may have had contrasting fortunes in the second T20I between India and New Zealand held at Rajkot, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Ish Sodhi enjoyed a game of chess on their flight to Thiruvananthpuram.
The Blackcaps had roared back in style at Rajkot to level the three-match series at 1-1 courtesy of a 40-run win over the hosts.
India’s Chahal had a disappointing game with the ball after he was taken for 36 runs in his four overs. On the other hand, Kiwi spinner Ish Sodhi had a brilliant game as he finished with 1-25 in his four overs.
The two wrist-spinners decided to kill time on the flight with a game of chess and by all accounts, it was the Indian leggie who finished on top.
Chahal used to be a budding chess player in his junior days and hold the unique distinction of being the only Indian to have represented the country in both cricket and chess.
The 27-year-old’s name is still listed on the FIDE website and when last checked, he held a rating of 1946 points.
Hence it was no surprise to see Chahal trump Sodhi in the classical game though the fact that the two opposition spinners chose to bond over chess was great to see.
The limited-overs series between the two sides have gone right down to the wire with Virat Kohli’s men edging the visitors by 2-1 in a hard-fought ODI series.
With the two teams locked at 1-1 in the T20I series, all eyes will be on Thiruvananthpuram on Tuesday when the sides take the field for the deciding and final match.