Welcome to a captivating tale of grit and glory in the IPL 2025 season, where Punjab Kings’ ace spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has scripted a remarkable comeback, silencing critics and reigniting hope for his team’s playoff dreams. Once labeled a weak link after a dismal start, Chahal has turned the tables with performances that scream resilience and tactical brilliance. Let’s dive into this rollercoaster journey with insights from former Indian cricketer WV Raman and others who’ve witnessed the spinner’s evolution.
Chahal’s IPL 2025 began on a sour note, with just two wickets in the first five matches for Punjab Kings (PBKS). His economy rate of 11.13 painted a grim picture, as batters decoded his variations with ease. Despite a higher-than-usual bowling speed, the results were underwhelming. Purchased for a staggering Rs 18 crore at the auction, the pressure was immense, and experts began questioning the relevance of his craft in modern T20 cricket.
“Chahal started the season on the expensive side compared to his earlier years. Bowling at a quicker pace might have thrown off his rhythm initially. Perhaps he was also readjusting to the T20 format after a break. But over time, he’s slowed down his pace, finding his groove,” remarked WV Raman in an exclusive chat with TimesofIndia.com. Raman, a seasoned voice in Indian cricket, hinted at Chahal’s ability to adapt as the season progressed.
The turning point came during a high-octane clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Chepauk Stadium. In the crucial 19th over, with CSK chasing a big total, Chahal faced the legendary MS Dhoni. The over started with a wide, followed by a monstrous six from Dhoni that sent the crowd into a frenzy. With five fielders inside the circle, the stage was set for disaster. Yet, Chahal’s response was nothing short of cinematic.
“It’s about finding the right pace and rhythm. Chahal showed resilience and confidence. In that 19th over, he kept Dhoni guessing. The six was on a delivery too wide outside off, allowing Dhoni to swing freely. But Chahal adjusted instantly, bowling the next one closer to the body, cramping him for room. That’s the craft of an experienced spinner,” Raman explained, highlighting Chahal’s ability to make last-minute adjustments.
Indeed, Chahal’s next ball was a fuller one outside off, inducing a mishit from Dhoni, who was caught out, leaving the Chepauk crowd in stunned silence. What followed was pure magic—Chahal unleashed his guile to claim IPL 2025’s first hat-trick, dismissing Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, and Noor Ahmad in successive deliveries. His focus on returning to basics, slowing his pace, and prioritizing deceptiveness paid off spectacularly.
Former Team India fielding coach R Sridhar drew parallels between Chahal’s performance and the reliability of Jasprit Bumrah. “Chahal doing well is no surprise. He’s incredibly experienced and made a crucial difference against CSK, restricting them to 190 when they could’ve easily crossed 220. His use of the googly and flipper, adapting to the situation, was spot-on,” Sridhar noted.
Reflecting on his mindset during the game-changing over, Chahal shared, “My focus was on taking wickets and unsettling the batters, especially with five fielders inside the circle. I kept playing with their minds.” Post-CSK heroics, where he claimed 4/32, and a subsequent 4/28 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chahal’s tally now stands at an impressive 13 wickets in 10 matches—a stark contrast to his early struggles.
Chahal’s resurgence isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a game-changer for PBKS. As the IPL 2025 playoffs loom, his form could be the X-factor in a tightly contested league. With a career tally of over 200 IPL wickets—making him one of the tournament’s most successful spinners—Chahal has reminded everyone why he’s a national treasure. Can he spin PBKS to their maiden IPL title? Only time will tell, but for now, the ‘Chahal Magic’ is back in full swing.
What do you think of Chahal’s epic turnaround? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more IPL 2025 updates as we inch closer to the knockout stages!