Yuzvendra Chahal shines ahead of IPL 2025 auction, grabs 4-wicket haul in SMAT

Yuzvendra Chahal delivered a stunning performance in Haryana’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 opener against Manipur, just a day before the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The veteran leg-spinner took 4 wickets for just 9 runs in a mesmerising spell at the Wankhede Stadium, reaffirming his credentials as a match-winner in T20 cricket.

Under scrutiny following a string of underwhelming performances in the Ranji Trophy, Chahal silenced his critics in style. The veteran leg-spinner’s spell helped Haryana bowl out Manipur for a mere 86 runs in 19.1 overs, showcasing his mastery in the shortest format.

Chahal’s brilliance began in the 10th over, breaking Manipur’s resistance by dismissing Al Bashid (2 off 13). He followed it up with the wickets of opener Priyojit K (27 off 35) and Bidash off consecutive deliveries, before trapping Jotin Pheiroijam (7 off 15) to complete his haul. While Manipur skipper Rex offered some resistance with a brisk 30 off 20 balls, including two sixes and two fours, the team could not recover from Chahal’s assault.

In reply, Haryana chased the target with ease. Despite an early setback in the second over, HJ Rana’s 20 off 13 and a blistering unbeaten 43 off 16 balls by Rahul Tewatia, laced with seven fours and two sixes, sealed the win with eight wickets in hand and 13.2 overs to spare. Chahal’s outstanding performance comes at the perfect time, as franchises gear up for the IPL 2025 auction. The 34-year-old, who holds the record for the most IPL wickets by an Indian spinner with 205 scalps in 160 games, is expected to be one of the most sought-after players.

A Purple Cap winner in 2022 with Rajasthan Royals, where he claimed 27 wickets, Chahal has been a consistent force in the league. Over three seasons with Rajasthan, he picked up 66 wickets in 46 games, including one five-wicket haul and four four-fers. Despite a slightly higher economy rate in IPL 2024, where he took 18 wickets in 15 games, his ability to deliver in high-pressure scenarios remains unmatched. In the previous mega auction, Chahal was acquired for Rs 6.25 crore, and his recent performances suggest he could command an even higher bid this time.

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