From losing out on a place in the Team India squad to a less-experienced Rahul Chahar for the T20 World Cup in 2021, to being released by long-time franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the IPL 2022 auction, Yuzvendra Chahal has had a tough year.
But the wiry leg-spinner has answered his critics in style in this edition of the IPL, (joint-)leading the Purple Cap race with 26 wickets so far, representing the Rajasthan Royals. Chahal has been rewarded for his consistent performance, with a call-up to the Indian squad for the T20 series against South Africa, along with his 'KulCha' partner Kuldeep Yadav.
Chahal, in an e-mail interaction with THE WEEK, has credited his Royals coaches Lasith Malinga and Kumar Sangakkara for helping him predict the batter's mentality more accurately. He also expressed happiness over Yadav's performance in this IPL. Excerpts:
Q/ You are among the leading wicket-takers in IPL 2022. What have you been doing differently?
A/ This time I prepared with the new team. The coaches are very good and helped me gain some new perspectives. When you practise with Lasith Malinga and Sanga sir (Kumar Sangakkara), you always learn. I learnt to predict the batter’s mentality more accurately and it helped us in tough times.
Q/ Kuldeep Yadav, too, is having a good IPL season. Do you reckon the fans will get to see 'Kul-Cha' together again in Indians colours?
A/ It is good to see him perform at this level and terrifying batsmen again. I feel very happy for him and look forward to serving our country together again.
Q/ Despite your white-ball exploits, you are yet to play a Test. Does that bother you?
A/ It doesn’t bother me but it pushes me to perform with more perfection and consistency. As a professional cricketer, what I can do is be in my best form when my country needs me. I believe I am progressing on the right path.
Q/ What do you think of Sanju Samson, your captain at Rajasthan Royals?
A/ Sanju served Rajasthan Royals more than any of us. So, he is attached to the team on a different emotional level. He is the guy who will do anything for the team. He is a player that a team can depend on and he is a captain, that a team can always rely on.
Q/ How do you think the IPL has helped India's bench strength?
A/ IPL has been playing a key role in strengthening not only the bench but also the whole squad of our national cricket team. Watching youngsters grow in each and every team, has been an absolute pleasure. They will definitely make the nation proud soon.
Q/ A lot of players are now coming from outside the major cricketing centres. Do you think the IPL has levelled the playing field for aspiring cricketers?
A/ IPL is providing a world-class stage to every aspiring cricketer irrespective of their hometown and social background. The competition level is so high that teams are always famished to get good players on board. Also, having regional teams is playing a big role in levelling the playing field. In my association with MojGullyCricket campaign, we saw exciting participation from cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru etc. Nowadays, cricket is for everyone.