'Thought It Was The Time To...,' Yuzi Chahal Explains How He Trapped Hardik Pandya
Chahal scalped 3 wickets for RR against MI [AP]
Veteran Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had a memorable day in the office on Monday evening, recording a sensational three-wicket haul in Rajasthan Royals' third IPL 2024 match against Mumbai Indians.
Chahal began his onslaught on the five-time champions by dismissing their skipper Hardik Pandya, who was looking sublime in the middle.
It was a well tossed-up delivery from Chahal, as Pandya went for an aerial shot only to find fielder at long on. He further went on to get the prized breakthroughs of Tilak Varma and Gerald Coetzee, registering a clinical three-fer in this process.
After RR restricted MI to a paltry 125-run total, Chahal explained how he deceived the experienced Indian batter with his guile and variation.
"I was trying to vary pace and lengths, and bowl good balls. (On Hardik wicket ball) Before that, I saw a couple of balls turn. Thought this was the time to take a chance, so said let's try this ball (in the slot)," Chahal stated as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
"I always back my self-belief and skills. In this format I know we can go for hits and wickets in others but our team wanted wickets at that stage and I went for it. There was a bit of dew after 16th over but we need to have a good first six," he added.
Chasing 126, RR have been off to a flyer, courtesy of fireworks from Jos Buttler and skipper Sanju Samson.
As of writing, the visitors were 34 for one in 3.1 overs, with Buttler and Samson batting on 9* and 8*, respectively.