It was 2014 when Yuzvendra Singh Chahal joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore family. He was previously known for his splendid performance in the CLT20 Final, helping mumbai indians win their first title. He picked 2 wickets for just 9 runs, in 3 overs, in that game against RCB.
He made his debut for Haryana in the 2008-09 season, in the domestic circuit. He, also was the leading wicket-taker in the National under-19 Cooch-Behar trophy in 2009, taking 34 wickets! He also scored about 300 runs, in that tournament.
But the fact that is lesser known to many is that Chahal, also represented India in Chess at the World Youth Chess Championship, and also was under-12 chess champion in 2002. No surprises, why he’s such a clever bowler!
It was playing for RCB, that he found the bulk of his success. He was RCB’s Highest wicket-taker in the 2015 and 2016 editions of IPL, taking 23 and 21 wickets, respectively. He also, contributed significantly, by picking up wickets at crucial junctures, helping RCB reach their 3rd final, in 2016.
Since his debut in the 2014 season, he has been a key member in the RCB Squad. He was retained in 2015, 2016, and 2017 seasons, and was brought back using the Right to Match Card, in the 2018 IPL auction.
In RCB’s Green Game of 2018 season, he became the leading wicket-taker for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, taking 73 wickets, in just 58 matches, even overtaking legends such as Anil Kumble who previously played for RCB.
His consistent brilliant performances in the Domestic circuit for Haryana as well as, in the IPL, earned him national team call-up, in 2016. He grabbed the opportunity, with both hands and was impressive, that series against Zimbabwe.
He proved his mettle, at the international level, by taking 6 wickets in the third T20I game against England, in Bengaluru, in 2017. Chahal, is also the first Indian leg spinner to pick up a fifer as well as 6 wicket haul in a T20I and holds the record for the second best bowling figures for a bowler in T20I history (6/25).
His habit of breaking partnerships at important situations and his clever, fearless bowling has made him an important, and a regular member in the Indian Cricket team, in both 20 and 50-over formats of the game.
In January 2019, Chahal showed his class, in the 50-over format as well, by picking up 6 wickets for just 42 runs, at the iconic MCG, against Australia. Yuzi chahal, currently is ranked 5th in the ICC ODI bowlers’ Rankings.
Chahal along with his spin twin Kuldeep Yadav will have a significant role to play, in the ICC world cup, in this year, as wrist spin remains, captain Kohli’s trump card.
Yuzi Chahal, will have a key role in this IPL, helping RCB spin their fortune and win the title. Come IPL 2019 and the World cup 2019, Yuzi chahal will definitely, be the player to watch out for!