IPL 2026

Yuzvendra Chahal Hits Back at Critics Over Rs 18 Crore IPL Paycheck

Yuzvendra Chahal Hits Back at Critics Over Rs 18 Crore IPL Paycheck — Photo: IANS

Veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has addressed the intense discussions surrounding his massive Rs 18 crore salary in the Indian Premier League, pointing out a recurring double standard when domestic cricketers command record-breaking fees. The star spinner asserted that public and media scrutiny often disproportionately targets homegrown talent securing lucrative contracts compared to overseas players receiving similar compensation packages.

Chahal became the highest-paid spinner in the history of the tournament after Punjab Kings splashed out Rs 18 crore to acquire his services at the auction. This valuation represented a massive 177 percent jump from his previous Rs 6.5 crore salary with the Rajasthan Royals. Following that stellar auction buy, Punjab Kings retained the champion bowler at the exact same price tag, cementing his status as a core pillar of their bowling unit.

Auction Valuation And Public Perception

  • Yuzvendra Chahal is the highest-ever-paid spinner in IPL history, drawing Rs 18 crore from Punjab Kings.
  • The bowler experienced a 177 per cent salary increase from his previous Rs 6.5 crore contract with Rajasthan Royals.
  • Chahal stated that critics often question massive paychecks when awarded to Indian players while celebrating identical earnings for overseas stars.
  • The veteran holds the all-time record as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 233 scalps across 188 matches.

Career Legacy And International Absence

Reflecting on his financial worth in professional cricket, the seasoned performer emphasized that his career longevity and statistical dominance fully justify the heavy investment from franchises. Having plied his trade in the tournament since 2013, Chahal has picked up 233 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 8.05, establishing himself as one of the most destructive and reliable spin options in Twenty20 history.

Despite his unmatched domestic success and phenomenal record of eight four-wicket hauls in the competition, Chahal has remained out of favor with the national selection committee for white-ball fixtures. The veteran cricketer last represented India during a Twenty20 international fixture against the West Indies in August 2023, marking a prolonged absence from the senior national setup despite continuing to dominate the premier domestic stage.

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