Yuzvendra Chahal asks PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta for chance to open batting with Priyansh Arya vs Rajasthan Royals

Since the introduction of the infamous impact player rule that has left cricketers divided including Yuzvendra Chahal. The veteran leggie has not batted even once since in four seasons including the current one. He has represented Rajasthan Royals (RR) and now Punjab Kings (PBKS) but none of the two have trusted him to even bat at no.11. Ahead of facing his former franchise, Chahal has asked PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta for a chance to open the innings with Priyansh Arya.

On April 27, Zinta tweeted: "Today seems like a perfect day for an impromptu #pzchat ! Bring on the questions folks".

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Chahal was quick to reply as he asked, "Mam ek match mein opening batting karne ka chance mil jaaye toh (laughing emojis).

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Hours before the match against RR at PBKS’ home, the Indian Premier League (IPL) history’s leading wicket-taker took to Instagram and posted an AI-generated photo of him opening alongside Arya with caption "Ab dangal hoga!" as if Zinta confirmed that he would open. 

Chahal's former teammate, Mandeep Singh replied to his post as he wishes to see him facing RR pacer Jofra Archer.

"Yuzi vs Archer - aaaj ho ee jaaye! choti da muqabla," Mandeep wrote.

Chahal yet to hit a boundary in IPL batting career

Chahal made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2013 before moving to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for eight seasons. He has batted in 20 innings and scored 37 runs at an average of 5.28 and strike rate of 43.02. He is yet to score a single boundary in his IPL career.

Chahal’s batting highlights in domestic and international cricket

However, he has a 48-run knock to his name in first-class cricket. He has three sixes in domestic cricket. On the international stage, he has batted most in ODIs, scoring 77 runs from 18 innings, including an unbeaten 18 against New Zealand in 2019.

Chahal's bowling numbers in IPL 2026

The leggie has claimed four wickets in IPL 2026 at an average of 51.25 and economy rate of 9.76 runs per. Not always he has completed his quota of four overs.