"Maybe I should have batted more...": RR's Chahal opens up on 200 IPL scalps, life, ahead of LSG clash
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 27 (ANI): Ahead of his side's Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal opened up on becoming the first player to take 200 wickets in the league, what playing chess has taught him and ageing as a cricketer and a person.
Table-toppers RR and LSG will clash at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium. RR is at the top of the points table with seven wins and a loss, giving them 14 points. LSG is at the fourth spot, with 10 points after securing five wins and facing three losses. Chahal, who recently became the first-ever player to get 200 IPL wickets, will be a key part of the RR playing XI in this game.
Speaking in a video posted by the IPL's official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Chahal said on taking 200 wickets, "It is a big achievement. I never thought I would reach the top. Right now, the focus is on the team, what I can do to win the games for them and take wickets."
The veteran Indian spinner reached this milestone during the IPL match against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Sawai Man Singh Stadium on April 22.
This incredible moment in Chahal's cricketing career came during the eighth over of the game. Chahal caught and bowled Afghanistan and MI all-rounder Mohammed Nabi for 23 runs to bring up his double century of wickets.
In 153 matches, Chahal has taken 200 wickets at an average of 21.37, with the best figures of 5/40. He has taken six four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul during his IPL career.
Chahal said that playing chess, something he did at Youth level for India, has given him patience in his cricket. He said that he often enjoys games of chess with compatriot Ravichandran Ashwin and Jos Buttler.
Chahal, currently 34 years of age, said that he has matured with age but that does not stop him from still being a fun-loving guy who pulls pranks on his teammates.
"I have not changed a lot. Maybe I am a little older and got a little more beard. I have mostly stayed the same, fun-loving, prank-doing guy. Maybe, I should have batted more (laughs)," he added. (ANI)
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