In his 153rd IPL game, 33-year-old Chahal—who has also played for the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru—reached the landmark.
Jaipur, Rajasthan: Yuzvendra Chahal, the wily leg-spinner of the Rajasthan Royals, has cemented his place in the annals of IPL history. During their match against the Mumbai Indians on April 22nd, 2024, Chahal claimed his 200th wicket in the tournament, becoming the first bowler to achieve this remarkable feat.
The landmark dismissal came in the eighth over of the Mumbai innings. Chahal, known for his deceptive googlies and sharp leg-breaks, induced an outside edge from Mohammad Nabi’s bat, resulting in a straightforward catch. The dismissal sparked jubilation in the Rajasthan Royals camp, with his teammates mobbing the ecstatic spinner.
Chahal’s journey to 200 wickets has been one of dedication and skill. His IPL career began in 2013 with the Mumbai Indians, although he was initially picked up by them two years earlier. However, it was with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2014 to 2021 that Chahal truly blossomed. During his stint with RCB, he became a fan favorite, taking an impressive 139 wickets in 113 matches at a phenomenal average of 22.03. He was even the franchise’s highest wicket-taker.
However, the 2022 mega-auction saw RCB release Chahal, much to the surprise of many fans. The Rajasthan Royals promptly snapped him up for a sum of Rs 6.5 crore, and Chahal has seamlessly transitioned into their playing XI. He has continued his wicket-taking ways with the Royals, proving to be a valuable asset to their bowling attack.
Chahal’s achievement is even more significant considering the high quality of batsmanship in the IPL. To consistently outfox these talented players and reach the 200-wicket mark requires exceptional skill and tactical nous. Chahal’s ability to read the pitch, vary his pace, and deploy his bag of tricks has made him a nightmare for many batsmen.
This remarkable feat has garnered widespread praise from the cricketing fraternity. Former Indian captain Ravi Shastri lauded Chahal, calling him a “champion bowler” and a “true match-winner.” Fans on social media have also showered Chahal with congratulations, hailing him as a legend of the IPL.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s name will now be forever etched in the history books of the IPL. His 200-wicket milestone serves as an inspiration to aspiring young spinners and a testament to his enduring talent and hard work. With many more IPL seasons to come, Chahal has the potential to further extend his record and solidify his position as one of the greatest bowlers the tournament has ever seen.
Neeraj Tiwari