India’s top IPL wicket-taker, Yuzvendra Chahal, admitted feeling nervous before the IPL 2025 mega auction but was thrilled to be bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a staggering Rs 18 crore. Chahal stated that he deserved the hefty price tag, suggesting he had not received the value he deserved in previous auctions.
Punjab Kings, with a large purse heading into the Jeddah auction, secured Chahal after outbidding teams like SunRisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Chennai Super Kings.
Chahal, RCB’s top wicket-taker until 2021, was sold to Rajasthan Royals for Rs 6.5 crore in the 2022 auction. Unlike overseas spinners Rashid Khan and Wanindu Hasaranga, he failed to ignite a bidding war after his unexpected release by RCB.
“I was very nervous. I had anxiety because whatever I was getting for the last three years, put together, I was getting it in one year. But, I think I deserve that. I am very excited,” Chahal told JioCinema on Day 1 of the mega auction.
“I had a few hints. A few of my friends told me that I would go to Punjab Kings. But, I didn’t think about how much I would be solf for. I was thinking like Rs 12-13 crore. Like you said, I deserve this,” he added.
“Eager to Work with Ricky Ponting”- Chahal
Punjab Kings, coached by Ricky Ponting, made major acquisitions, including Shreyas Iyer for a record Rs 26.75 crore. They also secured pacer Arshdeep Singh for Rs 18 crore, reuniting the India star with Mohali.
Chahal expressed excitement about working with Ponting for the first time and highlighted his strong relationship with Iyer, who is likely to captain the Punjab team.
“I am very excited. There is Ponting sir. I will work with him for the first time, I will try and give my best,” he said.
“I am very excited. And I have a very good bond with Shreyas Iyer. I will get to learn a lot from Ricky Ponting sir. And it’s near my home, it’s Chandigarh and before it was Jaipur.”
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