“Yuzvendra Chahal to RR Is One of the Greatest Gifts in IPL’s History”- Kevin Pietersen on RCB’s Biggest Mistake

There have been many big names that have featured in the Indian Premier League since its inception in 2008. Virat Kohli is leading the chart with the most runs, while the highest wicket-taker in the league is former CSK star Dwayne Bravo. Bravo has 183 wickets in 161, while the second-most wickets belong to veteran Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. The leg-spinner made his IPL debut for MI in 2013 but joined Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014.

That totally changed his career, and he became the go-through bowler for the RCB. In fact, his consistent performance in the IPL also earned him his maiden call for India in 2016. Chahal picked up 139 wickets for RCB in 113 games in the tournament, which is the most by any bowler for the franchise. But then, after the 2021 season, the RCB released Chahal ahead of the auction, which came as a surprise and shock to many.

“One of the greatest gifts in the history of the IPL is Yuzvendra Chahal to RR”- Kevin Pietersen

It was RR that roped in Chahal in 2022 for 6.5 crore, and he went on to win the “Purple Cap” in that season. The leg-spinner took 27 wickets in 17 innings and was one of the reasons for RR’s qualification to the final. He is also currently the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing tournament with 11 wickets.

Former English star Kevin Pietersen, who was part of RCB in his IPL career, reckons that letting go of Chahal was the biggest mistake by RCB. On Wednesday, in the game between RR vs LSG, Pietersen said on air,

Since releasing Chahal, RCB has been struggling to find good Indian spinners. Though they have a great spinner in Wanindu Hasaranga, they can only pick four overseas players for the team. RR is currently at the top of the IPL 2023 standings with 8 points. Meanwhile, RCB is in 8th place with only two wins from five games.