New Delhi: Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal opened up about his frustration with his former team Royal Challenger Bangalore (RCB). The Bangalore based franchise promised the spinner that they would do any possible to retain him ahead of the 2022 IPL mega auction, but nothing came of it during the mega auction.
Chahal's disappointment with RCB
“Definitely, I felt very sad. My journey started with RCB. I spent eight years with them. RCB gave me a chance, and I got an India cap because of them,” Yuzvendra Chahal said on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadiya’s podcast.
“From the very first match, Virat bhaiya showed me trust. So, it felt bad, because it almost feels family when you spend 8 years at a team," he added.
“A lot of rumours came in, like I asked for huge amount of money. I clarified at the time that there wasn’t anything like that. I know what I deserve,” he said.
“What I felt really bad about was there was no phone call, no communication. At least have a talk. I had played 114 matches for them. In auction, they promised me that they will go all-out for me. I said, fine," he added.
“When I wasn’t picked there, I was very angry. I gave them 8 years. Chinnaswamy was my favourite ground. I didn’t talk to RCB coaches. The first match I played against them, I didn’t talk to anyone,” he added.
Chahal's career at RCB
Over the years, Chahal was the go to bowler for the RCB. He played 114 matches for the team, taking 177 wickets in 136 innings, with a strike rate of 16.94 and an average of 21.50.
His best individual figure was an impressive 5/40. Despite his success, Chahal's journey with RCB came to an abrupt end when the team did not retain him ahead of the 2022 IPL mega auction. This decision was met with disappointment by Chahal, who felt a deep connection with the team and the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which he considered his favorite ground.
Chahal's IPL career
In 2022 mega auction, Chahal was bought by Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he continued to impress with his performance. He is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history. Chahal has taken 187 wickets in 145 matches at an average of 21.68 with best figures of 5/40. He played for Team Rajasthan in the 2023 season.