Veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has revealed that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) never wanted to retain him ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. The 31-year-old had to part ways with RCB after spending eight seasons.
Chahal disclosed that Mike Hesson, RCB’s director of cricket, had called him prior to the auction to notify him that they were planning on retaining three players. He further claimed that no monetary discussions took place between him and the franchise.
Speaking to TOI, Yuzvendra Chahal said:
“I am emotionally attached to RCB. I never thought I would play for some other team. People and fans on social media are still asking me ‘why did you ask for this much money?’. The reality is that Mike Hesson (RCB Director of Cricket) called me and said ‘Listen Yuzi, there are three retentions’ (Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj).
The leg-spinner added:
“They didn’t ask me whether I wanted to be retained or tell me if they wanted to retain me. They just talked about the three retentions and I was told that – ‘we will go for you in the auction’. Neither was I asked about money nor did I get any offer of retention. But I will always be loyal to my Bangalore fans. I love them so much, no matter what.”
Yuzvendra Chahal pledges to shine for RR in IPL 2022
The Indian international was later picked up by Rajasthan Royals at the IPL 2022 mega auction for INR 6.5 crores. Chahal added that he is looking to come up with impactful performances for his new franchise in IPL 2022.
“Obviously. The jersey will be different, but the Yuzi will be the same. You will see the same kind of wicket-taking performances and celebrations from me. It’s a new journey for me and I am very excited about it. Everything will be the same, only the jersey will change. The way I bowled and performed for RCB, I will do the same for RR as well. Nothing is going to change. RR showed faith in me at the auction,” Yuzvendra Chahal concluded.