IPL 2022: 5 releases that might turn out to be blunders

3. Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB)

Yuzvendra Chahal, the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s premier leg spinner, was released ahead of the mega auctions, surprising many experts and fans. With 139 wickets, Chahal was the most successful bowler in the RCB franchise since its inception. RCB chose to retain Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal which raised many eyebrows.

Chahal was dependable for the Bengaluru-based franchise throughout his tenure. After a lacklustre first half of IPL 2021, which resulted in his exclusion from the Indian squad, he returned with a zeal to defy the odds. In the second half of the IPL 2021, he took 14 wickets in eight games for RCB at an impressive economy rate of 7.05.

Chahal and RCB couldn’t close out financial deals. He didn’t want to be retained as the franchise’s fourth player for only INR 6 crores after serving the franchise for seven seasons. He undoubtedly desired to be retained at a higher price than his fellow teammates. It will be interesting to see if RCB wants to get him back if he enters the mega auctions. Overall, if he does not return, it will be a huge loss for the RCB because he was a category of spinner who was successful in difficult Chinnaswamy pitches.