PremiumYuzvendra Chahal speaks about his 'anger' with RCB, says did not receive any 'communication, phone call'
Yuzvendra Chahal, now almost 1.5 years later, opened up about his snub from RCB.
Last Updated: 02.47 PM, Jul 16, 2023
In a decision that had once caught many by surprise was Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) not opting to retain star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 edition. The news had sent shockwaves across social media platforms, leaving fans and experts speculating about the team's strategy.
After the known players - Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell - were retained, RCB had gone to release a number of players including Chahal, who had been an integral part of the squad since the 2014 edition.
With 114 appearances for the franchise, the leg-spinner had showcased his skills on some of the most challenging grounds for bowlers, particularly the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Now almost 1.5 years later, Chahal opened up about his snub and said RCB had also promised they will buy him back in the auction.
The spinner, on his appearance on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadiya's podcast, said, "I played there for 8 years. RCB basically gave me the India cap, because they gave me a chance to perform. From the very first match, Virat bhaiya showed me trust. So, it felt bad, because it almost feels like family when you spend 8 years at a team. A lot of rumours came in as I asked for a huge amount of money. I clarified at the time that there wasn't anything like that. I know what I deserve".
He went on to add, "What I felt really bad about was there was no phone call, no communication. At least have a talk. I had played 114 matches for them. In an auction, they promised me that they will go all-out for me. I said, fine. When I wasn't picked up there, I was very angry. I gave them 8 years. Chinnaswamy was my favourite ground. I didn't talk to RCB coaches. The first match I played against them, I didn't talk to anyone".
However, after his anger subsided, he stated that when he made his transition from RCB to Rajasthan Royals (RR), it helped him grow as a cricketer.
"I realise the auction is a very unpredictable place. So, I made peace with the fact that whatever happens, happens for good. At RR, I started bowling at the death. Often, my quota would be completed before 16 overs in RCB. So, I think I grew as a cricketer in RR as well. So, whatever happened, happened for good," said Chahal.
"I have an attachment for RCB and their fans, but coming to Rajasthan Royals helped me cricket-wise."