Ashwin Recalls Chahal's Bold Batting Ambitions at Rajasthan Royals

Key facts

• Ravichandran Ashwin shared anecdotes about Yuzvendra Chahal's batting confidence.
• Chahal claimed to have scored an Under-19 century.
• He often asked Rajasthan Royals management to let him open the batting.
• Ashwin questioned Chahal's power to hit boundaries.
• Chahal has not scored 1,000 runs in professional cricket.
• His highest score in first-class cricket is 48.
• Chahal is the IPL's leading wicket-taker with 228 wickets.

A Spinner's Surprising Batting Claims

Ravichandran Ashwin, the experienced Indian spinner, has recounted a series of humorous episodes featuring his former Rajasthan Royals teammate Yuzvendra Chahal, highlighting the leg-spinner's unexpected confidence in his batting abilities. During their time together at the franchise, Chahal frequently expressed a desire to bat higher up the order, even suggesting he should open the innings. These revelations emerged during Ashwin's commentary on JioHotstar's 'Champions Waali Commentary', where he painted a vivid picture of Chahal's self-belief. The spinner's aspirations stood in stark contrast to his actual batting record, prompting Ashwin to question the practicalities of such ambitions.

The Under-19 Century and Opening Innings

Chahal once informed Ashwin that he had achieved a century during his Under-19 days, asserting his capability to perform under pressure and step up for the team. He believed he was a viable option to bat in high-pressure situations. Ashwin, however, voiced his skepticism, specifically questioning Chahal's capacity to generate the power needed to clear the boundary ropes. The seasoned all-rounder also recalled Chahal's persistent requests to the Rajasthan Royals management to allow him to open the batting in matches.

Pads Off, Batting Order Up

The two cricketers spent three seasons together at Rajasthan Royals, during which Chahal's eagerness to bat at the top of the order became a recurring theme. Ashwin, who himself was sometimes promoted in the batting lineup, recounted instances where Chahal would approach him while he was padding up. In these moments, Chahal would jokingly urge Ashwin to remove his pads, indicating his own readiness and desire to take his place in the batting order. This recurring request underscored Chahal's unusual ambition for a bowler.

Concerns Over Pace and Power

Ashwin's amusement was tinged with genuine concern regarding Chahal's safety should he face high-calibre fast bowlers. He specifically mentioned facing pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, suggesting that Chahal might struggle against such pace. More pointedly, Ashwin questioned the strategic sense of sending Chahal in against fearsome fast bowling, implying it could be detrimental to the team and potentially lead to injury for the spinner. "More importantly, he might end up hurting himself against that kind of pace," Ashwin remarked.

A Striking Disparity in Records

The anecdotes shared by Ashwin highlight a significant disparity between Chahal's perceived batting prowess and his documented professional record. Across all formats of professional cricket, Chahal has yet to score 1,000 runs. His highest score in first-class cricket stands at a modest 48. This contrasts sharply with his remarkable achievements as a bowler, where he holds the record for the most wickets in Indian Premier League history, having taken 228 wickets in 183 matches with an average of 23.18.

The bottom line

• Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal often expressed a desire to open the batting during his time with Rajasthan Royals.
• He claimed to have scored a century in his Under-19 career, boosting his batting confidence.
• Teammate Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Chahal's ability to hit powerful shots.
• Ashwin also voiced concerns about Chahal facing fast bowlers due to his batting record.
• Chahal's professional batting record shows less than 1,000 runs across all formats.
• He remains the leading wicket-taker in IPL history.