Yuzvendra Chahal becomes first bowler to bag 200 IPL wickets

Veteran Rajasthan Royals spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has written his name in the history books. The 33-year-old became the first-ever bowler to reach 200 wickets in the history of the Indian Premier League.

The wrist-spinner achieved this feat when he dismissed Mohammad Nabi in the eighth over of the first innings. The veteran Afghanistan all-rounder offered Chahal an easy return-catch to which the bowler obliged with glee. Once he took the catch, the bowler seemed a bit emotional and looked at the heavens.

What makes this feat more special is the fact that Yuzvendra Chahal achieved it against his former side. Mumbai Indians were the first team that Yuzvendra Chahal was part of in the IPL before he was released at the end of the IPL 2013 season. 

Massive moment for Yuzvendra Chahal

It has been a tough few years for veteran spinner bowler Yuzvendra Chahal. The 33-year-old has not played for India for nearly a year. His last appearance came during the tour of the West Indies where Chahal played in the final T20I game and was hit for 51 runs from his four overs. 

Earlier this year, there was more bad news in store for the lanky spinner as he saw his name crossed out of the BCCI central contracts. The start of IPL 2024 has been tremendous for Chahal has been impressive with the ball.

His spell of 3/11 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium was lauded by one and all. With consistent performances, Chahal is surely making himself a huge candidate for selection for the upcoming T20I World Cup in June.

So far, Yuzvendra Chahal has played 153 games in the Indian Premier League. After just a sole appearance for Mumbai Indians, Chahal was picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Yuzvendra Chahal played 113 games with RCB and picked 139 wickets with a best of 4/25. After not being retained by RCB, Chahal was in for a huge shock when they didn’t even pick him during the IPL Auctions.

The move to Rajasthan Royals seems to have worked out for the lanky spinner as he has picked 61 wickets so far from 38 games with a hat-trick against KKR. His best of 5/40 came in the same game and Chahal has also picked four-wicket hauls on five occasions for the men in pink.