• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Outthink Batters Ex Cricketers Decode Yuzvendra Chahals Classy Ipl Turnaround

"Outthink Batters": Ex-Cricketers Decode Yuzvendra Chahal's Classy IPL Turnaround

Soumyajit Dutta

Yuzvendra Chahal [Source: AP Photos]Yuzvendra Chahal [Source: AP Photos]

Yuzvendra Chahal’s IPL 2025 campaign began with underwhelming returns, raising eyebrows after Punjab Kings (PBKS) invested INR 18 crore in the seasoned leg-spinner. In his first five matches, he managed just two wickets while leaking runs at an economy of 11.13. 

However, Chahal silenced doubters with a dramatic turnaround, spearheading PBKS’s resurgence. His defining moment came during a tense clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he claimed IPL 2025’s first hat-trick in a game-changing 19th over. Former India cricketer WV Raman praised Chahal's revival and his remarkable turnaround.

Experts Opine On Chahal Cracking The Code

Former India cricketer WV Raman attributed Chahal’s revival to his strategic adjustments which helped him to become more economical and a striker. 

“Chahal started off being expensive, perhaps due to bowling quicker. Gradually, he slowed his pace, found rhythm, and used his experience to outthink batters,” Raman told TimesofIndia.com. 

Reflecting on the pivotal 19th over against CSK, he added, “Chahal kept Dhoni guessing. After the six, he bowled closer to the body, cramping him. His last-minute tweaks were crafty, showcasing his resilience.”

Ex-Team India fielding coach R Sridhar compared Chahal’s impact to Jasprit Bumrah’s clutch performances. 

“Chahal’s spell against CSK was crucial. He stopped them at 190 when 220 seemed likely. His googlies and flippers, tailored to the situation, made the difference,” he noted.

Chahal, now central to PBKS’s playoff hopes, emphasized mental warfare post-match. “My focus was on taking wickets and disrupting batters’ rhythm, especially with five fielders inside the ring,” he said. 

By reverting to his trademark deceptive pace and variations, the veteran spinner has reasserted his value, proving that class and experience often trump transient struggles.

Chahal Aiming To Strike Continuously

Earlier critics labelled Chahal the team’s weak link, questioning his relevance as batters comfortably tackled his quicker-paced variations. The slow start amplified pressure on the 34-year-old, who faced scrutiny over his ability to adapt in a high-stakes season.

However, Chahal's recent spells marked a sharp return to form, with the spinner bagging 13 wickets in 10 matches, including a 4/32 against CSK and 4/28 versus KKR.