Royal Challengers Bangalore’s decision to release their top spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, ahead of the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has remained one of the most bizarre choices made by a franchise.
In a franchise that boasted the likes of AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, Chahal single-handedly ruled the wicket-taking chart for RCB, delivering consistent performances each season. However, RCB, ahead of the mega auction in 2022, opted to retain Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj, thus releasing Chahal, who was later roped in by Rajasthan Royals. Mike Hesson, who was then the director of cricket at the franchise, recalled the telephonic conversation with Chahal and how RCB’s decision had misfired in the auction later.
Speaking to Cricket.com, Hesson revealed that Chahal was completely upset, disinterested and frustrated at the decision, but added that he understood what led to RCB taking that call.
“Yuzi was communicated with a huge amount. And I know that because I was the guy at the other end of the phone. I remember ringing Yuzi afterwards and he was upset. It was very difficult to try and explain the auction dynamics to him at that time. He was visibly disinterested, and I don’t blame him. He was an RCBian and he was frustrated. But I can assure everyone that he is well-aware of the issues we were confronted with,” Hesson said.
RCB had planned to sign back Chahal and Harshal Patel during the mega auction, but matters got complicated after the leg-spinner failed to make the marquee list. Chahal’s name emerged after 64 players.