Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal, born on July 23, 1990, is a prominent figure in Indian international cricket, known for his role as a leg spin bowler in the white ball format. In addition to his contributions to the Indian cricket team, he actively participates in domestic cricket, representing Haryana, and showcases his talent in the Indian Premier League as part of the Rajasthan Royals. His bowling style involves a right-arm leg break technique.Chahal made history by becoming the second player overall and the first Indian cricketer to achieve a remarkable 6-wicket haul in the T20I format. Notably, he also made headlines as the inaugural concussion substitute to be awarded the title of Man of the Match in an international cricket game. Before his cricket career, he excelled in chess and proudly represented India at the international level in this strategic game.

IPL Career

Chahal's journey in domestic cricket commenced when he was initially signed by Mumbai Indians in 2011. Despite featuring in just one IPL game over three seasons, notably against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 24, he made a mark by appearing in all matches during the 2011 Champions League Twenty20. His standout performance came in the Final against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where his figures of 2 for 9 in 3 overs significantly contributed to Mumbai's successful defense of a total of 139, clinching the title.

Transitioning to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 after being bought at his base price of ₹10 lakh, Chahal continued to shine. His impactful displays earned him the Man of the Match accolade against Delhi Daredevils during the 2014 IPL season.

The 2018 IPL auction saw his return to Royal Challengers Bangalore, and in the Mega auction for the 2022 Indian Premier League, he secured a spot with the Rajasthan Royals. His stellar performance in the IPL match against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 18, 2022, where he clinched a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul, showcased his bowling prowess. Another milestone was achieved during the 2023 Indian Premier League. Chahal became the first Indian cricketer to secure 300 wickets in T20 matches during the Rajasthan Royals' opening fixture against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

In September 2023, Chahal ventured into English cricket, signing up with Kent County Cricket Club for the remainder of the 2023 County Championship season. This move followed his exclusion from India's Asia Cup and World Cup squads.

Early International Beginnings

• Debut in Zimbabwe (2016)

In 2016, Chahal embarked on his international journey, earning a spot in the 14-man squad touring Zimbabwe. His One Day International (ODI) debut against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on June 11, 2016, marked a memorable start, claiming his first wicket of Richmond Mutumbami.

The second match proved to be a standout moment for Chahal. He showcased his prowess, grabbing three wickets for a mere 26 runs, steering his team to an impressive 8-wicket victory. His exceptional delivery at 109 km/h in the second over was notable. This stellar performance not only earned him acclaim but also secured his first international Man of the Match award.

• T20I Prowess Unveiled

His Twenty20 International (T20I) debut against Zimbabwe on June 18, 2016, saw him claiming Malcolm Waller as his first wicket in this format. February 1, 2017, marked a historic moment as Chahal became India's first bowler to clinch a five-wicket haul in T20Is, concluding with figures of 6/25 against England. He held records for being the first leg-spinner to achieve a fifer and a 6-wicket haul in a T20I, boasting the best figures for a leg-spinner in T20I history (6/25).

Chahal's prowess continued as he topped the charts for most T20I wickets (23) in 2017, a remarkable feat. His skills shone in the third T20 against England on February 1, 2017, where he secured a five-wicket haul, another first for an Indian bowler in T20Is.

A significant performance followed on January 18, 2019, when Chahal claimed his second ODI 5-wicket haul, registering figures of 6/42 against Australia. This remarkable achievement placed him alongside Ajit Agarkar with the joint-best figures by an Indian bowler against Australia, also marking the best figures by an Indian spinner at MCG against Australia.

Consistent Excellence

He played a pivotal role in India's 2019 Cricket World Cup campaign, securing 12 wickets. November 2019 saw Chahal join the ranks as the third Indian bowler to reach 50 wickets in T20Is during the third T20I against Bangladesh.

December 4, 2020, marked a unique moment as Chahal replaced Ravindra Jadeja due to concussion in the first T20I against Australia and later earned the Man of the Match title, being the first concussion substitute to do so in an international fixture.

Exclusion from 2021 T20 World Cup Squad

While his exclusion from the Indian 2021 T20 World Cup squad raised eyebrows, Chahal continued to shine, reaching a milestone of 100 wickets in ODI cricket in the opening match against the West Indies in February 2022. His journey persisted as he found a place in India's squad for the T20I series against Ireland in June 2022.

Chess Career

Chahal holds the distinction of being the sole individual to have represented India in both cricket and chess. Initially, he showcased his chess skills on the international stage, competing for India in the World Youth Chess Championship. However, he eventually moved away from the game due to sponsorship challenges. Notably, he is featured on the official site of the World Chess Federation, with his latest FIDE rating recorded in 1956.

Personal life

Yuzvendra Chahal entered into an engagement with Dhanashree Verma, known for her roles as a YouTuber, dance choreographer, and dentist, on August 8, 2020. Their marriage took place on December 22, 2020, in Gurgaon, marked by a private ceremony.

Harassment

Yuzvendra Chahal has disclosed, for the second time in the year, incidents of physical harassment during his initial days in the IPL. One incident occurred in 2013 while he was with Mumbai Indians, where a player, allegedly inebriated, dangled him from a 15th-floor hotel balcony after a team gathering.

In a previous revelation from 2011, Chahal recounted an incident with former teammates James Franklin and Andrew Symonds, who had tied him up, taped his mouth, and unintentionally left him in a room overnight during a celebration after Mumbai Indians' Champions League win.

Despite the peculiar situations, Chahal's relationship with Symonds evolved positively over time, with the two developing a camaraderie evident in their occasional exchanges of messages.

Conclusion

Yuzvendra Chahal's journey from a chess prodigy to a cricket sensation is a tale of versatility and determination. His transition from representing India in chess to becoming a formidable leg-spin bowler for the national cricket team reflects his adaptability and passion for sports. Chahal's achievements in cricket, marked by historic milestones in T20Is and impactful performances in both domestic and international arenas, showcase his skill and dedication.

Beyond the cricket field, Chahal's personal life, marked by his marriage to Dhanashree Verma, reflects his commitment and multi-faceted interests outside the sport. His candidness about past experiences of challenges and incidents in the IPL sheds light on the less glamorous side of professional sports, emphasizing resilience and growth amid adversity.

As he continues to evolve as a cricketer and a public figure, Chahal remains a dynamic personality whose journey embodies the spirit of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.