Yuzvendra Chahal Joins Punjab Kings for ₹18 Crore, Says “I Deserve This Price”

India’s star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a record-breaking ₹18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season. Reflecting on his monumental move during the ongoing mega auction, Chahal expressed his excitement, saying, “I think I deserve this price.”

The acquisition came after intense bidding wars. Initially, Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings locked horns over Chahal before Punjab Kings entered the fray against Lucknow Super Giants. Ultimately, PBKS secured the prolific spinner, making him one of the highest-paid players in the IPL auction’s history.

Chahal’s credentials speak volumes. He remains the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, with 205 wickets in 160 matches at an average of 22.44, including best figures of 5/44. The spinner also holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian in T20Is, with 96 scalps in 80 matches at an average of 25.09, and his best international figures stand at 6/25. Across all T20 matches, Chahal has taken 354 wickets in 305 games.

In his IPL journey, Chahal played a pivotal role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from 2014 to 2021, claiming 139 wickets in 113 matches with a best of 4/25. After moving to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2022, he continued his stellar performance, helping the team reach the playoffs twice in three seasons. He won the prestigious Purple Cap in his debut season with RR, bagging 27 wickets at an average of 19.51.

Speaking exclusively to JioCinema after the auction, Chahal shared his emotions during the event. “I was quite nervous and anxious because this amount is what I got in the last three seasons combined,” he said. Expressing his eagerness for the upcoming season, he added, “I’m excited as my bond with Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh is strong, and I will also get to learn a lot from Ricky Ponting sir. At least I’m closer to home now. It was Jaipur initially, and now it will be Chandigarh.”

Chahal’s move to PBKS comes as the franchise looks to rejuvenate its fortunes. Punjab Kings finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season and have not made it to the playoffs since their runners-up finish in 2014. The team’s management hopes that the addition of Chahal, along with other strategic changes, will propel them into contention for the coveted IPL trophy.