Cricket News

Yuzvendra Chahal aims high with bold IPL 2024 forecasts

Cricket fans perked up when spinner Yuzvendra Chahal appeared on Esports streamer Gulrez Khan’s YouTube channel. Khan asked Chahal to predict the IPL 2024 “Orange Cap” winner, awarded to the tournament’s highest run scorer. Chahal, in a lighthearted moment, initially joked about claiming the title himself.

Turning serious, Chahal surprised many by excluding established names like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. Instead, he predicted Rajasthan Royals teammates, Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, as his top picks. Buttler, already an Orange Cap winner in 2022, boasts exceptional talent, while Jaiswal showcased consistent power-hitting in the previous season. With the tournament starting soon, all eyes are on whether Chahal’s bold prediction holds.

Chahal didn’t stop at the Orange Cap. He confidently predicted himself as the leading wicket-taker, claiming the coveted “Purple Cap.” This bold statement showcased his self-belief and desire to repeat his 2022 feat with Rajasthan Royals, where he secured the same title. While naming the formidable Rashid Khan as his predicted runner-up, Chahal has set the bar high for himself and ignited excitement among fans, making the wait for the IPL’s bowling showdowns even more thrilling.

“Orange cap will go to Jaiswal or Jos Buttler. I will take the most wickets. Second, Rashid Khan,” the 33-year-old said.

Is contract snub a motivation?

Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the Indian Cricket Board‘s central contracts raised eyebrows. The seasoned leg-spinner, previously a mainstay in India’s white-ball setup, found himself alongside established names like Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara on the list of omissions.

While the governing body hasn’t officially commented on specific reasons, several factors likely contributed. Chahal’s credentials might not have aligned perfectly with the selectors’ vision for upcoming challenges. Additionally, the return of Kuldeep Yadav and the emergence of other spin options might have influenced the decision, pushing Chahal out of favour.

Despite the snub, Chahal continues to perform well in domestic cricket, keeping his hopes alive for a potential comeback. Whether fueled by a desire to prove himself or simply Chahal’s signature optimism, his bold predictions ahead of IPL 2024 have ignited anticipation for the upcoming season. Fans are now eagerly awaiting to see if his on-field performance will mirror his unwavering self-belief.