Chahal had been a crucial member of RCB since the 2014 season, appearing in 114 matches for the team. He made a name for himself with strong performances at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is considered one of the most difficult grounds for bowlers in the IPL due to its small boundaries.
However, RCB decided to release Chahal before the 2022 IPL auction and did not purchase him.
“Definitely, I felt very sad. My journey started with RCB. I spent eight years with them. RCB gave me a chance, and I got an India cap because of them. From the very first match, Virat bhaiya showed me trust. So, it felt bad, because it almost feels like a family when you spend eight years with a team,” said Chahal on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadiya’s podcast.
“A lot of rumors came in, like I asked for a huge amount of money. I clarified at the time that there wasn’t anything like that. I know what I deserve. What I felt really bad about was there was no phone call, no communication. At least have a talk.
“I had played 114 matches for them. In the auction, they promised me that they will go all-out for me. I said, fine. When I wasn’t picked there, I was very angry. I gave them eight years. Chinnaswamy was my favorite ground. I didn’t talk to RCB coaches. The first match I played against them, I didn’t talk to anyone,” he added.
The 32-year old Chahal, with 187 wickets, is the leading IPL wicket-taker. He admitted that the move to Rajasthan Royals improved him as a bowler as he started bowling in the death overs.
“I realize the auction is a very unpredictable place. So, I made peace with the fact that whatever happens, happens for good. At RR, I started bowling at the death. Often, my quota would be completed before 16 overs in RCB. So, I think I grew as a cricketer in RR as well. So, whatever happened, happened for good,” said Chahal.
(With inputs from IANS)