Chennai Super Kings (CSK) surprised everyone by going all out to buy the experienced leg-spinner, Piyush Chawla, in the IPL 2020 auction at INR 6.75 crore.
Chawla was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) this year and CSK found him appropriate for their squad. Although they already have a handful of spinners, the franchise bid for the leggie.
Chawla is excited to play under MS Dhoni again. He feels there is no better leader than the ex-India captain to play under. "There can't be a better team than CSK to play for and better captain than MS Dhoni," said Chawla.
The 30-year-old added a player always wants to be in a good team, and he can't ask for more after being picked by Super Kings. "As a player, you always want to be with a good team, play under a good captain and you can't have a better team than CSK and a better leader than Mahi bhai. I can't ask for more," Chawla told PTI.
Piyush was told about the plan to release him by the Kolkata franchise before making the move. On the decision to release him, he said, "It all depends on the combination. The KKR think-tank probably had a different combination on their minds. On Eden Gardens wicket now, there is not much for the spinners."
"They also told me that 'we are looking for fast bowlers and there is no point having three quality spinners in the team' and that is why they released me. So there is no bad blood between us. It is all in a healthy way."
ALSO READ: IPL 2020 Auction: Set 4 & 5- Capped Fast Bowlers and Spinners- Cottrell bought by KXIP for 8.50 cr; CSK gets Chawla for 6.75 cr
Chawla thanked CSK for showing confidence in him, but he didn't comment on his chances in the playing XI as the franchise already has prioritized spinners.
"It is too early to talk about that (my place in the eleven). Chennai is a big ground, it suits my style of bowling. Not many people know that I have played a lot of club cricket in Chennai in the past 12 years," said Chawla.
Piyush, who plays for Gujarat in domestic cricket, said that he expected CSK to go for him in the auction. "In the last big auction also, my last bid was stopped at CSK but KKR used the Right to Match (RTM card) to retain me. They have always shown faith in me. As you said, we (leggies) never go out of fashion. It is always the attacking option. You are bound to go for runs in the T20s but also have a chance to take wickets."
Chawla, who featured in the Indian side seven years ago, said he is still eyeing an international comeback.
"That is how it goes. It is not only about cricket, you go through highs and lows in life in general. There is fun in that. I am still 30. I have been playing Ranji Trophy also. Basically, wherever I get to play, I go. I just love this game. If India comeback has to happen, it will happen," Chawla added.
(WITH PTI INPUTS)
