Yuzvendra Chahal, the Rajasthan Royals’ legspinner, has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first bowler to reach the milestone of 200 wickets. Chahal achieved this remarkable feat when he dismissed Mohammad Nabi of Mumbai Indians (MI) in Jaipur on Monday.
Chahal’s journey to this historic milestone has been a testament to his skill, perseverance, and unwavering determination. After being signed by Mumbai Indians in 2011, he made his IPL debut in 2013 but only played one game for the franchise. It was in 2014, when he joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), that his IPL career truly took off.
During his eight-year stint with RCB, Chahal established himself as one of the most formidable bowlers in the league. He played 113 matches for the franchise, claiming 139 wickets at an impressive average of 22.03 and an economy rate of 7.58. His ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and control the flow of runs made him a vital cog in RCB’s bowling attack.
However, ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, RCB decided not to retain Chahal. He was subsequently picked up by Rajasthan Royals for INR 6.5 crore. In his first season with the Royals, Chahal played a pivotal role in their run to the IPL final, bagging 27 wickets at an economy of 7.75. He also registered his only five-wicket haul in the IPL, claiming 5 for 40 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Chahal’s success in the IPL is not limited to his wicket-taking prowess. He has also been a consistent performer, maintaining an impressive economy rate throughout his career. His ability to bowl economically in the powerplay and death overs has made him a valuable asset for any team.
In the ongoing IPL 2024, Chahal has continued to impress, sitting atop the list of leading wicket-takers with 13 wickets. His performances have been instrumental in Rajasthan Royals’ strong start to the season.
Chahal’s achievement of 200 IPL wickets is a testament to his exceptional skill, dedication, and longevity in the league. He has established himself as one of the greatest bowlers in IPL history and continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
