Follow UsIn what was a serious reshuffle of their troops prior to the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Punjab Kings (PBKS) retained only two players and let go of all others in a bid to come back stronger after the mega auction.
They have managed to start the season on a really strong note so far, and have won two out of their three games. In the auction, one of their key picks was leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal who has a lot of success in the league. However, he hasn’t been a regular on the Indian side for some time now.
This season Chahal has only picked a solitary wicket after bowling 10 overs in the three games and giving away 102 runs. His economy is above 10 runs/over and is averaging 102/wicket, which doesn’t justify the ₹18 crore PBKS spent to acquire him in the auction.
Speaking on Jio Hotstar about his lackluster season so far, Chahal said that it is still early days in the season and that winning is much more important to him than his own individual performances.
“It’s just the beginning of the season. And the best thing is that we have played three games and won two,” Chahal said.
“One match didn’t go in our favor. So, this is more important to me. At the same time, I’m getting my rhythm, and enjoying my bowling and that’s my focus currently.
“My first priority is my team and personal performances are secondary. Even If I don’t get a single wicket and win the trophy, that would matter the most to me.”
Chahal also responded to queries about his price tag and if the big money he received in the auction troubled him on the field. The seasoned campaigner brushed aside any concerns of that sort.
“Price tag, I think, I deserve this,” Chahal added.
“When you play, you don’t tend to think whether you were bought for Rs 5 crore or Rs 18 crore. When you are at the ground, you don’t think about the money at all. The performance is the prime focus.”