Ex-RCB star slams the franchise for releasing star bowler Yuzvendra Chahal who created history by picking 200 IPL wickets

Mike Hesson claims releasing Yuzvendra Chahal will always be one of his biggest frustrations.

Ex-RCB star slams the franchise for releasing star bowler Yuzvendra Chahal who created history by picking 200 IPL wickets

Mike Hesson and Yuzvendra Chahal (Image via Instagram)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shocked the Indian cricket fraternity in 2022 when they released Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the 2022 Mega Auction. The star was then purchased by Rajasthan Royals (RR) and is now one of their most important players for them.  

Mike Hesson, who was RCB’s director of cricket operations till 2023, is currently working as an analyst on JioCinema. After Yuzvendra Chahal picked up his 200th wicket, co-commentator Robin Uthappa asked Hesson why RCB released the spinner. The Kiwi coach claimed he did it to free up money to buy Chahal and Harshal Patel in the auction, but things didn’t go as per the plan. 

YouTube video
Chahal is one I will be frustrated with until I finish my career, probably beyond, he is an outstanding bowler, when every cycle comes to an end, you have to decide whom to retain, if you retain only 3 players you get extra crores which potentially gives us the chance to get both Harshal & Yuzi.
Mike Hesson on JioCinema

They couldn’t purchase Chahal, especially as he came 65th in the auction list. Before Chahal came up, they purchased Wanindu Hasaranga for ₹10.75 crore. They also got Patel back for ₹10.75 crore. Both players don’t play for RCB anymore, being released ahead of the 2024 IPL Auction. 

How is Yuzvendra Chahal doing at Rajasthan Royals?

Yuzvendra Chahal was purchased by RR for just ₹6.5 crore. He has played for the team in 39 matches, picking up 61 wickets. He won the Purple Cap in his first season and proceeded to take 21 wickets the next season as well.

Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal (Image via ESPNcricinfo)

Chahal and R. Ashwin formed one of the best spin duos in the IPL, taking RR to the 2022 IPL finals. Unfortunately they missed out on the play-off by just two points the next year. 

RR currently are at the top of the IPL right now. They have lost just one match, winning seven out of eight. Chahal is right now tied with Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel for the Purple Cap with 13 wickets each, but is 3rd due to his economy rate being higher than the pacers. 

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