Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli post the team’s four-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was effusive in his praise for leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. The leggie has been consistent with his performances in the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Post the team’s defeat, captain Kohli said the 31-year-old must have worked on his bowling during the time off from cricket.
“Chahal’s bowling pretty well now. It looks like he has worked on his bowling with all the time off. He’s back to bowling the way we know he can bowl. Him bowling well is a good sign for the team and we hope he can continue to do so. He has truly been magnificent with the ball,” Kohli said in the post-match press conference.
There have been two contrasting halves of the tournament for Chahal. The first half of the tournament in India saw Chahal pocket just four wickets in seven matches at an average of 47.5, going 8.3 runs per over. However, the wind changed in Chahal’s favour in the UAE leg with the leggie scalping 11 wickets from six matches at under six runs an over. The UAE pitches have always assisted Yuzi and the numbers clearly tell the story.
Chahal’s inconsistent form resulted in him getting ignored for the upcoming T20 World Cup and the recent form may force the national selectors from rethinking about the team when they finalise the squad before October 10.
Kohli also went on to applaud SRH’s rookie pacer Umran Malik, who has consistently clocked speeds above 90mph.
“This tournament throws up talent every year and good to see a guy bowling at 150 clicks. It is important to understand the progress of individuals going forward, like maintaining the body and getting the best out of them. The pool of strong, fast bowlers is always going to be a good thing for Indian cricket. And whenever you see talent like this, you will have your eye on them, and there will be a need to maximize their potential," he said
