AB de Villiers Questions Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Rationale Behind Releasing Yuzvendra Chahal
Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star AB de Villiers has expressed his dismay over the franchise’s decision to release ace spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Chahal recently made history by becoming the first bowler to reach the remarkable milestone of 200 IPL wickets, a feat he achieved by dismissing Mumbai Indians’ Mohammad Nabi earlier this week.
De Villiers, who played alongside Chahal during his time at RCB, shared his sentiments regarding the ‘heartbreaking’ moment when the spinner left the franchise. In a recent YouTube video, the South African great recalled the time when Chahal was acquired by the Rajasthan Royals during the IPL auction, ending his eight-season stint with RCB.
De Villiers acknowledged that Chahal’s departure was a difficult moment for him, having developed a close relationship with the spinner and witnessed his growth as a player. ‘Double hundred for Yuzi (Yuzvendra Chahal) with a ball in hand in the IPL. He’s the first guy to reach 200 wickets, and the most impressive thing about this (is) it is in 152 innings. RCB let him go… I’ve mentioned this before: a heartbreaking moment when he left RCB. He was part of the furniture there and also the best bowler. It was crazy that he got left out of that side,’ AB de Villiers stated in a video on his official YouTube channel.
Chahal, who was an integral part of the RCB team, forged strong bonds with de Villiers and Virat Kohli both on and off the field. Despite his departure for over two seasons, Chahal continues to hold the record as the side’s leading wicket-taker. He played 113 matches for RCB from 2014 to 2021 and claimed 139 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.58.
‘It’s not easy to watch him go to 200 wickets…the most successful bowler of all time in the IPL, and with him not being at RCB. He’s been a huge addition to that RR squad, has done fantastically well for them and part of the success of this season for them’ he added.
Chahal’s absence has left a noticeable void in the RCB lineup. In the current season, their bowling attack has come under scrutiny as the side has suffered seven losses in eight games, currently languishing at the bottom of the table.
AB de Villiers’ Emotional Admission Highlights Chahal’s Importance to RCB
AB de Villiers’ candid admission underscores the immense value that Yuzvendra Chahal brought to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chahal’s ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances and his leadership qualities made him an indispensable asset to the team. His departure has undoubtedly weakened RCB’s bowling attack, leaving a significant void that has contributed to their struggles in the ongoing IPL season.
