Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal possesses the mind of a chess player and the skill of a leg spinner. That’s a dangerous combination. Before taking cricket as a full-time profession, Chahal used to represent India internationally in chess at youth levels.

Personal details 

Teams 

India

Haryana

India A

Mumbai Indians

North Zone

Rajasthan Royals

Royal Challengers Bangalore

About Yuzvendra Chahal 

Yuzvendra Chahal, a prominent name in the realm of cricket, is renowned for his crafty leg-spin bowling and strategic acumen on the field. Born on July 23, 1990, in Jind, Haryana, India, Chahal has emerged as a vital asset for the Indian cricket team across formats.

Chahal’s journey in cricket began at a young age, and his talent was quickly recognized. He made his debut in domestic cricket for Haryana in 2009 and soon caught the attention of selectors with his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Mumbai Indians.

However, it was with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) that Chahal truly rose to prominence. Since joining RCB in 2014, he has been an indispensable part of the team’s bowling attack, consistently delivering breakthroughs with his deceptive leg-spin and astute variations.

Chahal’s success in the IPL paved the way for his international debut. He made his T20 International (T20I) debut for India against Zimbabwe in 2016 and quickly established himself as a key member of the team. His ability to pick wickets in crucial moments and control the flow of runs has made him a vital cog in India’s limited-overs setup.

Yuzvendra Chahal Career Highlights 

• Made his debut in domestic cricket for Haryana in 2009.
• Established himself as a key member of RCB’s bowling attack since joining the team in 2014.
• Made his T20 International (T20I) debut for India in 2016 against Zimbabwe.
• Formed a formidable spin partnership with Kuldeep Yadav during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
• Most T20I wickets in 2017 (23)
• 1st – Most consecutive four-wicket hauls in T20Is (2)
• Highest wicket-taker of IPL history

Yuzvendra Chahal Awards 

•  ICC Men’s T20I Performance Of The Year, 2017

Career 

Domestic career 

Chahal’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) began in 2011 when he was signed by the Mumbai Indians. Despite appearing in just one IPL game over three seasons, he played a pivotal role in the 2011 Champions League Twenty20, helping Mumbai secure the title with a stellar performance in the final against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

In 2014, Chahal was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore at his base price of ₹10 lakh in the IPL auction. He continued to shine, earning the Man of the Match award for his exceptional performance against Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2014.

His association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore continued when he was bought back by the franchise in the 2018 IPL auction. However, in February 2022, Chahal moved to the Rajasthan Royals after being picked up in the Mega auction for the 2022 Indian Premier League tournament.

Chahal’s brilliance was on full display in the IPL match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in April 2022, where he claimed a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul. Notably, he became the first Indian cricketer to achieve 300 wickets in T20 cricket during the 2023 IPL season with the Rajasthan Royals.

In September 2023, Chahal sought new opportunities abroad, signing with the English side Kent County Cricket Club for the remainder of the 2023 County Championship season, following his omission from India’s Asia Cup and World Cup squads.

IPL Career 

Chahal embarked on his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians back in 2008. Despite his presence mainly on the bench, he managed only one appearance for the team across three seasons. However, his involvement in all matches during the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 for the Mumbai Indians showcased his potential.

In the 2014 IPL auction, Chahal was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore at his base price of ₹10 lakh. Over the subsequent seasons, particularly in 2015 and 2016, Chahal’s development as a player saw him amass 44 wickets, establishing himself as a key figure in the RCB lineup.

His performance in the 2018 tournament saw him surpass Vinay Kumar to become the leading wicket-taker for the Bangalore franchise. Chahal emerged as a linchpin in the team’s bowling department, consistently delivering crucial breakthroughs.

The 2022 mega auction witnessed Chahal’s move to the Rajasthan Royals for 6.5 crore rupees. His inclusion proved to be a masterstroke for the franchise as he bagged 27 wickets at an economy rate of 7.75, ultimately clinching the prestigious Purple Cap.

International career 

Yuzvendra Chahal’s international career began with his debut for the Indian cricket team in T20 Internationals (T20Is) on June 11, 2016, against Zimbabwe. He quickly made his mark with his exceptional leg-spin bowling, picking up 2 wickets for just 27 runs in his debut match. Since then, Chahal has become a vital part of India’s limited-overs squads.

In the same year of his T20I debut, Chahal also made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India against Zimbabwe on June 11, 2016, and he showcased his talent by taking 3 wickets for just 25 runs.

Chahal’s performances in limited-overs cricket earned him a spot in the Indian squad for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy held in England. He played a crucial role in India’s journey to the final, picking up wickets consistently throughout the tournament.

One of Chahal’s most memorable performances came in 2017 during an ODI match against England, where he took 6 wickets for just 25 runs, helping India secure a comprehensive victory.

Chahal has been a regular member of India’s limited-overs squads ever since, featuring prominently in bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and other international competitions. He often forms a formidable spin partnership with fellow spinner Kuldeep Yadav, with the duo known for their ability to pick up wickets and control the game in the middle overs.

Overall, Yuzvendra Chahal’s international career has been marked by consistent performances, crucial wickets, and his ability to thrive in pressure situations, making him an indispensable asset for the Indian cricket team in limited-overs cricket.

ODI Career 

Yuzvendra Chahal debuted in One Day Internationals against Zimbabwe on June 11, 2016, impressively taking three wickets for 25 runs in his second match, earning his first international Man of the Match award. Over the years, he showcased consistent performances, notably securing 29 wickets in 2018, including his first five-wicket haul against South Africa. In 2019, he delivered another remarkable performance with a 5-wicket haul against Australia. Despite fewer opportunities in 2020 and 2021, Chahal remained impactful, demonstrating his resilience and class. In 2022, he claimed 21 wickets in 14 matches, showcasing his skill with three four-wicket hauls. Despite limited appearances in 2023, Chahal’s prowess remains evident, solidifying his reputation as a premier leg-spinner for the Indian cricket team.

T20 International Career 

Yuzvendra Chahal made his T20 International debut against Zimbabwe on June 18, 2016. Notably, on February 1, 2017, he became the first Indian bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in T20Is, finishing with impressive figures of 6/25 against England. In 2017, Chahal topped the worldwide charts with the most T20I wickets (23). By 2019, he became the third Indian bowler to achieve 50 T20 wickets. In December 2020, Chahal created history by winning the Player of the Match award as a concussion substitute against Australia. Despite being excluded from the 2021 T20 World Cup squad, Chahal has amassed 85 T20 wickets in 69 matches at an economy rate of 8.25. He was part of India’s 2022 ICC T20 World Cup squad but did not play. In January 2023, Chahal became India’s highest T20I wicket-taker, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 91 dismissals in 74 matches.

Additional info

Nickname- Yuzi 

International Chess Player – When it came to his early years, Chahal prioritized chess above cricket. He began playing chess at the age of seven and went on to represent India internationally. 

Controversies – Chahal disclosed in 2022 that while he was with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, an intoxicated teammate dangled him from a balcony on the 15th floor. He had previously mentioned being restrained in a room by Andrew Symonds and James Franklin during a post-match celebration.

Family 

Since childhood, Chahal has been passionate about both chess and cricket. Additionally, his father, KK Chahal, who played cricket at the University level, was also a lawyer in Jind. His family comprises his father, his mother Sunita Devi, and his wife Dhanashree Verma.