Will Yuzvendra Chahal’s ₹18 Crore Gamble Pay Off for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025?

Balakrishna
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Balakrishna
Senior Cricket Analyst & Writer
Balakrishna is a renowned cricket analyst and journalist at Buzz24Times, bringing over six years of expertise in cricket journalism. With a deep passion for the game,...
- Senior Cricket Analyst & Writer
8 Min Read

Yuzvendra Chahal ₹18 Crore Gamble:  Yuzvendra Chahal made headlines when Punjab Kings (PBKS) paid ₹18 crore for him at the IPL 2025 auction. That’s a big jump from his ₹6.5 crore deal with Rajasthan Royals. Fans want to know: Can he deliver for PBKS? This article digs into his past stats, his fit with the team, and what that price tag means. Let’s explore if Chahal can turn PBKS into a contender.

Yuzvendra Chahal ₹18 Crore Gamble

Why Did Punjab Kings Bet ₹18 Crore on Chahal?

PBKS spent big on Chahal during the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah on November 24, 2024. They needed a game-changer for their bowling. Chahal holds the record for most wickets in IPL history—205 in 160 matches. His average sits at 22.44, and his economy rate is 7.84. He took 27 wickets in 2022 with RR, winning the Purple Cap. PBKS finished ninth in 2024 with a bowling economy of 9.24. Chahal’s skills could fix that. Coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer see him as the missing piece. But ₹18 crore is a lot. Can he live up to it?

Yuzvendra Chahal Stats

Chahal’s IPL Record by Team

TeamYearsMatchesWicketsAverageEconomyBest FiguresOfficial Source
Mumbai Indians2011-2013109.000/9ESPNcricinfo
Royal Challengers Bangalore2014-202111313922.037.584/25IPL T20
Rajasthan Royals2022-2024466623.128.345/40Cricbuzz
Punjab Kings202500IPL T20
RCB (Home – Chinnaswamy)2014-2021567321.457.654/25ESPNcricinfo
RR (Home – Jaipur)2022-2024232624.198.105/40Cricbuzz
Mohali (All Teams)2014-20247831.258.143/25ESPNcricinfo
vs Top Teams (CSK/KKR/MI)2014-2024486123.187.925/40IPL T20
Powerplay Overs2014-20241604525.337.45Cricbuzz
Middle Overs (7-15)2014-202416012521.087.88Cricbuzz

This table shows Chahal’s strength across teams and phases. His Mohali numbers hint at a challenge ahead.

Can Chahal Succeed at Mohali?

PBKS plays home games at Mohali’s PCA Stadium. The pitch there helps fast bowlers more than spinners. Seamers average 26.73, while spinners average 32.15. Chahal has played 7 matches at Mohali and taken 8 wickets. His economy there is 8.14—higher than his career 7.84. Compare that to Jaipur, where he grabbed 26 wickets in 23 games. Mohali’s bounce could work for his leg-spin, though. He did well at Chinnaswamy, a tough ground, with 73 wickets in 56 home games. Ponting might use him smartly in the middle overs. Will that be enough to justify the ₹18 crore gamble?

How Chahal Fits with Punjab Kings’ Bowling

PBKS needed a strong spinner. Arshdeep Singh took 19 wickets in 2024, but the rest struggled. Chahal controls games in the middle overs—125 of his 205 wickets come between overs 7 and 15. His economy in that phase is 7.88. Pair him with Arshdeep, who shines at the death, and Marco Jansen, a left-arm pacer. That’s a solid attack. Chahal also brings experience. He mentored Kuldeep Yadav and worked well with Ashwin at RR. PBKS lacks another top spinner, but Chahal’s leadership could lift the unit. His bond with Arshdeep and Iyer helps too. Can this trio turn PBKS around?

Yuzvendra Chahal Gamble

Chahal’s Auction Price vs. Performance

PlayerIPL 2025 TeamAuction Price (₹ Crore)IPL WicketsWickets per CroreLast Season Wickets
Yuzvendra ChahalPunjab Kings1820511.3918 (2024)
Arshdeep SinghPunjab Kings18764.2219 (2024)
Shreyas IyerPunjab Kings26.75– (672 runs)
Rashid KhanGujarat Titans181488.2210 (2024)
Pat CumminsSunrisers Hyderabad20.50633.0718 (2024)
Mitchell StarcKolkata Knight Riders24.75512.0617 (2024)
Jasprit BumrahMumbai IndiansRetained (18)1659.1720 (2024)
Kagiso RabadaPunjab Kings10.2511711.4111 (2024)
Trent BoultMumbai Indians12.501219.6813 (2024)
Harshal PatelRoyal Challengers Bangalore8.5013215.5324 (2024)

Chahal’s 11.39 wickets per crore beat most big buys. His consistency stands out.

What Risks Come with the ₹18 Crore Gamble?

Chahal hasn’t played for India since 2023. Some fans on X wonder if his form dipped. He still took 18 wickets in 2024 for RR. That’s solid, not spectacular. PBKS has a history of wasting talent. They finished ninth in 2024 despite a big purse. Ponting’s coaching could change that. He led Delhi Capitals to three playoffs. Chahal’s price matches his record, but the team must use him right. Will past failures haunt PBKS again?

Chahal’s Impact Beyond Stats

Chahal offers more than wickets. He lifts team spirit. His social media antics—like trolling teammates—keep things light. At RR, he and Ashwin planned overs together. PBKS needs that energy. He’s 34 now, but his fitness holds up. In a JioCinema interview, he said, “I deserve this price.” His confidence could push PBKS forward. Can his personality spark a playoff run?

Conclusion

Yuzvendra Chahal’s ₹18 crore gamble could work for PBKS. His 205 wickets prove he’s a top bowler. He fits their need for a middle-overs star. Mohali’s pitch tests him, but his past success at tough grounds like Chinnaswamy shows he can adapt. The risk lies in PBKS’s track record, not Chahal. If Ponting and Iyer get the best from him, 20 wickets in 2025 are on the table. That could mean playoffs—and a steal at ₹18 crore.

Why did Punjab Kings pay ₹18 crore for Yuzvendra Chahal?

PBKS needed a strong spinner to fix their weak bowling. Chahal’s 205 IPL wickets made him worth it.

How has Chahal performed at Mohali before?

In 7 matches, he took 8 wickets with an economy of 8.14. It’s decent, but not his best.

Can Chahal help PBKS reach the IPL 2025 playoffs?

Yes, if he takes 20+ wickets and the team supports him. His record suggests he can deliver.

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Balakrishna is a renowned cricket analyst and journalist at Buzz24Times, bringing over six years of expertise in cricket journalism. With a deep passion for the game, he provides insightful analysis, compelling narratives, and the latest updates that captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide. His journey began with a love for the sport, evolving into a commitment to delivering accurate, engaging, and thought-provoking content. His work has amassed over 28 million reads, resonating with fans from casual followers to die-hard cricket aficionados.
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