I have achieved a lot in white-ball cricket, but red-ball is still on my checklist: Yuzvendra Chahal [Exclusive Interview]

Yuzvendra Chahal is undoubtedly one of the top spinners in the international circuit currently. The 33-year-old has broken several records and recently became the leading wicket-taker in the history of the Indian Premier League. Though Rajasthan Royals did not have an ideal outing this year, Chahal surely had a memorable season. 

He moved to Rajasthan Royals in the year 2022, when the inaugural champions roped him in at the mega auction. Chahal proved to be one of the key players in the side that season, as he finished with 27 wickets and bagged the Purple Cap, even though the Jaipur-based franchise lost the summit clash to Gujarat Titans.

Chahal has been one of the top names in the white-ball circuit, but he still is working hard towards making his way into the red-ball squad. In an exclusive interview with CricTracker, on the sidelines of Red Bull Campus Cricket (RBCC) National Finals 2023, Chahal spoke about his aim to represent India in Test cricket, his plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup, and much more.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

You recently became the leading wicket-taker in IPL history. How does it feel being on top and what is your future goal?

I was very happy when I surpassed Dwayne Bravo to become the leading wicket-taker in IPL history. It is a dream for any cricketer, and one wants to be the top performer in a tournament that they are a part of. Overall, from a team's perspective, we had a disappointing season as we did not make it to the playoffs. We will reflect on this season and come back stronger next season.

One bowler who you think can surpass you to become the leading wicket-taker of IPL in the years to come?

Abhi to mai sirf 33 ka hu to mujhe nai lagta abhi yeh kisi aur se possible hai (laughs) [I’m only 33 right now, so I don’t think there’s anyone who can achieve this feat]. (10 years down the line) Yeah, I feel Rashid Khan is someone who can break records and emerge as the highest wicket-taker in the future.

RR and Red Bull joining hands has not just been good for the two organizations, but also for the up-and-coming players. Why do you think more and more cricketers should participate in RBCC?

I think Red Bull Campus Cricket is an amazing platform for players to hone their talent and ability at a competitive level. We did not have any such tournament during our time, and looking at how things have developed, RBCC provides a great platform. They know they are being watched, which eventually motivates them to do better than the rest. I think there are many talented players and hidden gems at the finals and hopefully, we will see them make it big in the future.

RR scout players and give the bowlers a chance to be a part of the franchise as net bowlers. You being one of the finest in the bowling department, how do you think and tournament and Red Bull Speedster is helpful for such bowlers?

Red Bull Speedster is a competition to find India’s best upcoming fast bowler. Along with speed, participants are also judged on their overall technical ability. The best bowlers from the event also get a chance to try out and train with the Rajasthan Royals which is a great opportunity for them! As I said before, we did not have such tournaments, but the budding cricketers have a wide door open in front of them, and they make the most of it. Definitely, the credit goes to Rajasthan Royals and Red Bull.

You are one of the finest in white-ball cricket, but you are yet to play a game of the T20 World Cup. How does that feel?

That’s fine, you know. Some things are not in your hands, so I don’t ponder much upon that. My focus is on giving my best and performing well till the time I’m playing the game. Be it any match, my aim is to give my 100%. Selection is something that is not in our hands. Whether you’re playing or not, once you wear the blue jersey and be a part of the squad, it always gives you a sense of confidence. At least you’re there, and have to be ready for whatever is coming next.

You've conquered white-ball cricket, when will we be seeing you in whites?

Every cricketer has a dream of representing his/her team on the international platform. And they reach the pinnacle when they wear whites and play red-ball cricket. I have a similar dream too. I have achieved a lot in white-ball cricket, but red-ball is still on my checklist. I still have the dream of getting the tag of ‘Test cricketer’ next to my name. I try to give my best in domestic and Ranji games so as to fulfill this dream of mine, and I hope to get the opportunity of representing the Indian Test team soon.

The world wants to see Kul-Cha in the upcoming ODI World Cup, what have been your plans and how are you gearing up for it?

(On their bonding) We are like brothers. Be it on the field or off the field, we share a great bond. We never see each other as professionals, our relationship has always been like brothers. We will give our best, because who does not want to represent India on a platform like the World Cup? We will work hard definitely, but eventually, it is in the hands of the management (laughs).

It has been a great partnership with Kuldeep, he is a great bowler. The ODI World Cup is a big tournament for us and we want to prepare well for it. The aim is to focus on fitness and have our plans set. We want to execute the same in the coming series and hopefully, we will be prepared when the mega event is here.