Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal on Thursday (April 7) shared a scary episode from his IPL stint with Mumbai Indians back in 2013.
In a video posted by RR on social media, Chahal narrated how a drunk MI player once hung him from the 15th floor balcony of the hotel. In order to avoid any controversy, the wrist-spinner didn’t disclose the identity of that cricketer.
Chahal’s revelation has taken the cricketing fraternity by storm and he is receiving support from the fans and former cricketers alike.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri too has voiced his opinion on the same, saying the incident is "not funny at all" and demanded a life ban for the offender.
"No laughing matter at all. I do not know who the person involved is, he was not in a conscious state of mind. If that is the case, then it is a big worry. Someone's life is at risk, some people might think it is funny but for me, it is not funny at all. It shows the person who is trying to do it is in a state which is not appropriate. When you are in such a state trying something like that, the chances of mistakes are even more. It is not acceptable at all," Shastri said on ESPNcricinfo's 'T20 Time Out'.
"It is the first time I am hearing such a drastic thing like this. It is not funny at all. If such an incident happens today, a life ban for that person involved and send that person to a rehab centre as quickly as possible. Life ban, better not come near to a cricket field then he will realise how funny is it or not funny," he added.
Shastri further said that it is important for players to report such incidents immediately.
"You do not want an unfortunate incident for you to wake up, if something like that happens, you have to step up and tell the people concerned. Just like you are told by the Anti-Corruption Unit when there is an approach made by someone or the other when it comes to fixing, it is your job to approach the authorities to let them know," he opined.
Earlier, speaking to Rajasthan Royals teammates Ravichandran Ashwin and Karun Nair, Chahal opened up about the horrific incident.
“My story, some people know about. I have never spoken about this, I never shared this. In 2013, I was with the Mumbai Indians. We had a match in Bengaluru. There was a get together after that. There was a player who was very drunk, I will not take his name. He was very drunk; he was looking at me and he just called me. He took me outside and he dangled me from the balcony," Chahal said.
"My hands were around him. Had I lost my grip, I was on the 15th floor. Suddenly many people who were there came and got the situation under control. I kind of fainted. They gave me water, then I realised how responsible you should be if you go out anywhere. So, this was one incident where I felt I made a narrow escape. Had there been the slightest of mistake, I would have fallen down," he added.
