While franchises are still trying to figure out the new impact player rule, Yuzvendra Chahal feels that it has worked out well for Rajasthan Royals (RR) who had a long tail last season. When Royals have used bowlers as impact players, it has not worked in their favour. However, using Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal as impact player substitute has been a different story. Chahal who usually jokes about him getting a promotion in batting said that he is “no use with the bat”.
"It has worked in our favour given the way Dhruv (Jurel) and Dev (Devdutt Padikkal) have batted. It is a plus point because I am of no use with the bat. It helps when you are chasing a big total and an extra batter gets added, which is a plus point," Chahal told the media on the even of their clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Sawai Man Singh Stadium on April 19.
When Jurel walked out as impact player he played a brilliant cameo of unbeaten 32 from just 15 balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a last-ball thriller which did not go in Royals' favour. Padikkal contributed with a crucial 26 against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Royals' first win over defending champions.
Chahal has picked up 11 wickets in IPL 2023 so far including 4/17 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The leg-spinner is chasing Dwyane Bravo's record of highest wicket-taker in IPL history. Chahal needs seven more wickets to get the record in his name. The 32-year-old is looking forward to the clash at Sawai Mansingh Stadium due to the ground's dimenstions as he said, "It is a bigger ground here so as a spinner I am happy."
The leggie who is not a regular in India playing XI is enjoying his time with Ravichandran Ashwin and Adam Zampa as Royals have outfoxed oppositions with their spin trio.
"The management decides as per situation (on playing them together). We have a good bonding between us, having played the last two games together," he said.
Royals are currently leading the points table with four wins from five games. They will have a chance to extend their lead when they take on KL Rahul-led LSG in home conditions.
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