IPL 2024: Last Resort - Why Yuzvendra Chahal needs a Stellar Campaign for Rajasthan Royals

Yuzvendra Chahal's witty character is adored by almost all Indian cricket fanatics. The ever-smiling, mischievous Chahal is a popular name in the teams where has played.

Chahal has been one of the key Indian spinners in the past few years or so. Since his India debut in 2016, Chahal has been in and around the first team and always makes a strong case for himself.

But Chahal's journey in the Indian cricket team has taken an abrupt halt. After playing 72 ODIs and 80 T20Is for India, the leg-spinner has suddenly found himself in the peripheral zone.

Yuzvendra Chahal and his current woes

Despite having a fantastic record in the limited overs format for India (Chahal hasn't played any Tests), the Haryana-born is down the pecking order these days and is completely out of the reckoning.

His ability to take crucial wickets and maintain an economical bowling rate has been crucial for the team's success, especially in T20Is. But the 33-year-old hasn't played a T20 match for India since August, an ODI for more than a year.

Why IPL 2024 is Yuzvendra Chahal's Last Resort

And as he dons the Pink of Rajasthan Royals in this IPL 2024, the tournament can be the final resort for Chahal to rally back himself in the Indian team. The IPL, known for its high competition level and visibility, offers Chahal the perfect stage to remind selectors of his credentials.

Chahal's experience in previous IPL seasons, playing for prominent teams and against top-tier batsmen, has equipped him with the insights and skills necessary for this challenge.

It all started in the IPL for the leg-spinner, and the stellar record speaks for itself. Chahal, over the years, has played 146 matches in the IPL and has 188 wickets. He has shown his mettle at the Chinnaswamy during the RCB days, a venue which is regarded a graveyard for spinners.

But with Rajasthan Royals, Chahal needs to shine in this edition. To make a compelling case for his return, Chahal's performance in the IPL will need significant numbers. His ability to consistently take wickets, especially during crucial phases of the game will be a key component.

With the T20 World Cup following the IPL, a stellar outing for Chahal can give him the momentum through which the player can make inroads for the quest of wearing the India Blue again. And it is his last resort. A chance in the Test team looks highly unlikely, and India's ODI assignments are now quite insignificant. So, T20 international will be his only way for a comeback and the platform such as IPL is the biggest audition for the fringe spinner to make himself a central figure again.

Can Yuzvendra Chahal make it to the India Squad for the T20 World Cup?

Team India may take one leg-spinner in the World Cup. The fight at the moment is three-way as Ravi Bishnoi and Rahul Chahar are Chahal's main competitors. But given the prior experience Chahal has, a fantastic IPL 2024 can open the door for him.