Yuzvendra Chahal’s Spectacular 4 for 28: A Comeback Within a Comeback
When the shadows of doubt loom large, only the resilient can find a way back into the light. For Yuzvendra Chahal, the wrist-spinning magician whose craft had been questioned, the 2025 IPL season seemed destined to be another chapter of adversity. Since August 2023, Chahal hadn’t donned the Indian jersey in limited-overs cricket, and his early performances for Punjab Kings (PBKS) were far from inspiring. With just two wickets in his first few games and an economy rate that raised eyebrows, the veteran’s place in the team was hanging by a thread. But as they say, fortunes can change in the blink of an eye.
The Turning Point: From Doubt to Dominance
In the high-stakes clash between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chahal finally found his moment of redemption. It began with the dismissal of KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who opted against reviewing an LBW decision that replays later suggested was incorrect. That slice of luck seemed to reignite Chahal’s confidence. From thereon, he was a man transformed.
With impeccable drift and flight, Chahal bamboozled Angkrish Raghuvanshi, enticing the young batsman into a mistimed drive that landed safely in the hands of backward point. In his very next over, he repeated the trick, sending the dangerous Rinku Singh back to the pavilion. Just when it seemed he couldn’t get any better, Chahal added Ramandeep Singh to his list of victims. Though Andre Russell tried to spoil the party with a couple of towering sixes, the damage had already been done. Chahal’s spell of 4 for 28 had flipped the game on its head.
A Comeback for the Ages
What made Chahal’s performance even more remarkable was the context. Punjab Kings, bowled out for a paltry 111, looked down and out. But their bowlers, led by Chahal, orchestrated a stunning comeback to secure an improbable victory. It wasn’t just a win for PBKS; it was a testament to Chahal’s resilience and ability to rise when it mattered most.
Speaking to the host broadcaster after the match, Chahal reflected on his performance: “In the last game, I conceded 56 for 4 overs, but I had full confidence and backed myself and my abilities. I always have the mindset of how to get the batters out. I varied my pace and made them work for every run.”
Ponting’s Praise: The Injury Battle
PBKS coach Ricky Ponting revealed that Chahal’s heroics came despite a nagging shoulder injury. “He had a fitness test before the game today with his shoulder injury that he picked up in his last game. I grabbed him at the warm-up, looked him in the eye, and said, ‘Mate, are you okay?’ He said, ‘Coach, I’m 100% alright, let me out there.’ And what a spell of bowling.”
The Unpredictable Thrill of Cricket
The PBKS-KKR match was a microcosm of cricket’s unpredictable nature. At 62 for 2, with Rahane at the crease, KKR seemed poised for an easy win. But Chahal’s intervention triggered a collapse, leaving KKR reeling. The drama, the tension, the euphoria—it was all there, wrapped into one unforgettable cricketing spectacle.
Chahal’s resurgence wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a reminder of why we love this game. In the face of adversity, he reminded us that comebacks are always possible.
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