Veteran India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal defended his staggering IPL contract with Punjab Kings (PBKS), pointing out a double standard where critics question big paychecks for Indian players while accepting them for overseas stars
During the IPL 2025 auction, PBKS splashed a hefty sum of Rs 18 crore to secure Chahal’s services, making him the highest-paid spinner in the league’s history. This marked a 177% increase from his previous Rs 6.5 crore salary with the Rajasthan Royals.
During his appearance on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube podcast Baith & Bol, Chahal emphasized that financial figures do not change his commitment on the field, stating he will play with the same intensity whether he is paid Rs 5 crore or Rs 25 crore.
As the all-time highest wicket-taker in IPL history with over 15 years of experience, the wrist-spinner firmly believes he deserves a top-tier valuation, especially when relatively inexperienced players secure massive contracts in their debut seasons.
"I never thought about it because I never played for money. Whether I get 5 crore or 25 crore, I will play the same way as I do. Somebody gets 12 to 13 crore in his very first season, but I have played for 15 years and I am the highest wicket-taker. I deserve it. Even if I get 25 crore, that means I deserve it. Indian player ko mile toh problem hamko ho jaati hai, yaar isko kaise mil gaye (We have a problem if an Indian player gets this big an amount. We wonder how did he get it). If an overseas player gets 25 crore, they are happy," Chahal said.
Yuzvendra Chahal has 233 IPL wickets to his name from 188 matches. His bowling average is 23.24 and economy rate is 8.05.
Chahal has fallen out of favour with the national selectors for some time. His last appearance for India was a T20I match against the West Indies in 2023. Though he was part of the squad that won the 2024 T20 World Cup, he did not get game time and hasn't been recalled since.
Earlier this month, Chahal called time on his first-class career. However, he clearly stated, "I am not done yet," reaffirming his hunger to perform in List A and domestic T20s to earn back his spot in India's ODI and T20I squads.
