Records Yuzvendra Chahal can script in IPL 2022
What's the story
Yuzvendra Chahal is arguably one of the best spinners in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has picked at least 18 wickets in each of the last three editions. He will be a part of the Rajasthan Royals in the forthcoming season. This would be his third franchise in the cash-rich tournament. Let's look at the records that he can script in IPL 2022.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Chahal, who made his IPL debut with MI (2013), was one of the biggest match-winners for RCB (2014-21). However, RCB parted ways with the wrist-spinner ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. RR eventually got the leggie at a price of Rs. 6.5 crore for the next three seasons. In IPL, Chahal has pocketed 139 wickets in 114 appearances while averaging 22.28.
Wickets
Chahal eyes 150-wickets mark in IPL
Chahal (139) currently stands ninth in the list of leading wicket-takers in the history of IPL. He could reach the 150-wickets mark in IPL 2022. He would be only the sixth player to attain that milestone. Also, he would be only the fourth Indian to reach that landmark, with the other three being Harbhajan Singh (150), Piyush Chawla (157), and Amit Mishra (166).
Do you know?
Chahal all set to clinch a rare milestone
Chahal would be the only bowler with 20 wickets each against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Punjab Kings. He has already picked 22 and 25 wickets against MI and PBKS respectively in the last nine editions.
Dots
1,000 dot balls in IPL
Chahal has a reputation as one of the most miserly bowlers in the history of this tournament. He currently ranks 16th in the list of bowlers with the most dot balls in their IPL career (912). He bowled 127 dot balls in the last edition of IPL which was held in UAE. He would be only the 10th Indian player to achieve this tally.
KKR and SRH
Chahal on the brink of a historic feat
He could be the only Indian bowler with 20 wickets each against KKR and SRH. He currently ranks 8th in the list of most wickets by a bowler against KKR (18). He could beat Zaheer Khan (19) and Vinay Kumar (19) to occupy the sixth position. Against SRH, Chahal (18) is second only to Dwayne Bravo, who has 21 wickets under his belt.
DC and CSK
Chahal could trump a few big names in IPL 2022
Chahal has a knack for churning wickets even against the strongest oppositions in IPL. The leg-spinner ranks 13th in most wickets against DC (15). He would surpass Dale Steyn (19) to become the only sixth player to have reached the 20-wicket mark. Against CSK, Chahal (14) occupies the seventh spot. He could exceed the likes of Zaheer Khan (16) and Vinay Kumar (17).
IPL
SRH vs RR on March 29
Chahal would be next seen in action in RR's opening game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday. The match will take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The wicket is likely to be a turner. Thus, RR would be banking on Chahal to spin the game in their favor. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.