Yuzvendra Chahal, the Indian leg-spinner, recently broke the record for most wickets in the Indian Premier League. Chahal credits his success, in part, to AB de Villiers, his former teammate at the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In a recent interview on Star Sports, Chahal revealed how de Villiers helped him to become one of the league’s most lethal spinners.
Chahal said that his journey changed when he arrived at the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014. In the first few years, he was not close to de Villiers and was hesitant to talk to him because he is a legend. However, one night they sat and talked for many hours, and de Villiers gave him some advice that would change his career.
De Villiers told Chahal to keep a balance in his personal and professional life. He said that everything should be in balance, and that it shouldn’t be 60-40. Always try to keep the right balance, he advised. Chahal said that this one word, “balance,” helped him a lot, and he always thanks de Villiers for the advice whenever he sees him.
Chahal began his IPL career with the Mumbai Indians, but he enjoyed some of his best years at the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he spent eight seasons. He was one of the integral members of the Royal Challengers in the 2016 season when the side had reached the final of the season. Chahal also made his way into the Indian team after consistent performances for the RCB and continues to remain an important part of the squad in limited-overs formats.
However, Chahal was released by the RCB at the end of the 2021 season and was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 6.50 crore in the mega auction. The Royal Challengers did not make a bid for Chahal. Nonetheless, Chahal’s experience at the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and the advice he received from de Villiers, will always be an important part of his journey.
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