Former Pakistan left-arm pacer Wasim Akram lashed out at it Royal Challengers Bengaluru Team management to release Yuzvendra Chahal in IPL 2022 auction.
Yuzvendra Chahal was Bengaluru’s top wicket-taker before he was placed on the players’ release list ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2022. The leg-spinner was then snapped up by 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals after a long bidding war against Mumbai Indians, Delhi capitals, and the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
What did Wasim Akram say about Yuzvendra Chahal?
Recently, when Wasim Akram spoke to Sportskeeda on the IPL 2024 post-match show, he was extremely critical of the RCB decision. Akram questioned the thinking of the then team management behind the release of Yuzvendra Chahal, who is not only the most successful wicket-taker of the franchise but also the most successful bowler in the IPL with 201 wickets and more.
Yuzvendra Chahal was smartly picked by Rajasthan Royals for a sum of INR 6.5 Crores and the return came in the same season. Chahal was the best bowler of the 2022 season with 27 wickets. His contribution was immense in the lead up to Rajasthan for the first time since 2008 when Rajasthan defeated Chennai Super Kings to become champions for the first time.
Although Rajasthan lost to newcomers Gujarat Titans in the final, Yuzvendra Chahal’s contribution meant he did not have to leave the franchise. The Kumar Sangakkara-led RR management is expected to retain him for the 2025 mega auction and is unlikely to repeat the mistake made by Bengaluru in 2022.
On this note, Wasim Akram stated that Chahal should never have been thrown out of RCB. Akram criticized the clarification given by the South Indian franchise for the leg-spinner’s release, claiming that they could have planned it better.
In the end, Wasim Akram called it a very bad decision
“How did RCB let Yuzvendra Chahal go? I read their coach’s clarification that they didn’t have enough money to pursue Chahal in the auction. But they should have planned it better.”
“You can’t let your wicket bowler go and think you’ll pick him again at the auction. A very bad decision by the RCB think tank.” – Wasim Akram said on Sportskeeda.
While RCB is struggling without Chahal, the star player has settled in very well with the Rajasthan Royals. After losing the final in 2022 and finishing fifth in IPL 2023, Yuzvendra Chahal is well on his way to helping the Royals reach the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru are at seventh position with just four wins.
Chahal’s performance in IPL 2024
Yuzvendra Chahal may be far from the season he enjoyed in 2022, but the veteran is still having a decent season. Chahal had started the 2024 edition very well and was at the top of the Purple Cap race at times. Currently, Chahal has 14 wickets from 11 matches at a questionable economy rate of 9.90 with a best of 3/11.