With the IPL 2024 starting from March 22, veteran Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has made a bold prediction regarding the coveted Orange Cap, which is awarded to the tournament’s highest run-scorer. In a recent video on his YouTube channel ‘JokerKiHaveli,’ Chahal, known for his witty banter, humorously picked himself initially but later suggested that his Rajasthan Royals teammates Jos Buttler or Yashasvi Jaiswal could clinch the prestigious award.
During an interaction with Esports streamer Gulrez Khan, Chahal jovially selected himself as the top run-scorer before settling on Buttler or Jaiswal as his serious prediction. “Orange cap will go to (Yashasvi) Jaiswal or Jos Buttler,” remarked Chahal, indicating his faith in the batting prowess of his Rajasthan Royals colleagues.
Chahal also made predictions for the leading wicket-takers, confidently naming himself for the top spot and choosing Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan for the second position. His lighthearted yet insightful predictions have sparked curiosity among fans ahead of the upcoming IPL season.
Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra expressed surprise over Chahal’s exclusion from the BCCI’s central contracts. Chopra noted that while the omission of players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shikhar Dhawan could be understood, Chahal’s absence signifies a potential shift in the selection committee’s strategy.
Chopra speculated that Chahal’s exclusion indicates the BCCI’s exploration of alternative options, signaling a significant development in the veteran spinner’s career trajectory. Despite Chahal’s consistent performances in the IPL and international cricket, his absence from the centrally-contracted players’ list raises questions about the selectors’ vision for the future.
The announcement of BCCI’s centrally-contracted players for the 2023-24 season also saw the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. Both players were overlooked after failing to adhere to directives regarding participation in the Ranji Trophy. In contrast, skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli retained their positions in the top bracket of contracted players, highlighting their continued significance in Indian cricket.
