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Regular-article-logo Saturday, 11 May 2024

Chawla spins a high

The leg-spinner, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders, was roped in by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 6.75 crore

Sayak Banerjee Calcutta Published 19.12.19, 09:58 PM
Just need to vindicate the faith CSK have shown in me: Piyush Chawla

Just need to vindicate the faith CSK have shown in me: Piyush Chawla Wikimedia

Consistent showing so far in the domestic season has helped him land a plum deal in the IPL 2020 auction, says Piyush Chawla.

The leg-spinner, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders, was roped in by Chennai Super Kings at Rs 6.75 crore at Thursday’s auction. That also made him the costliest among Indian cricketers.

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The Super Kings got Chawla after both Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab dropped out of the biding.

“Well, it’s such a good feeling to be a part of a successful team. It’s always nice when the franchises show faith in you.

“For me, I just need to vindicate the faith they have shown in me,” Chawla, a member of India’s victorious 2011 World Cup squad, told The Telegraph.

The 30-year-old did fairly well for Gujarat in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished with nine wickets from six matches at an impressive economy rate of 5.16.

“Look, I have attained success by following a certain bowling style, which is working on my variations and maintaining a proper line and length, and also not shifting much from the basics. So, I’m just trying to improve on these every day,” Chawla said.

He, though, doesn’t want to look too far ahead at present, laying greater emphasis on finishing the ongoing domestic season on a good note.

Chawla, without doubt, is excited on getting another chance to play under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

“We all know he is the best captain, so I’m indeed looking forward to play under Mahi-bhai. It’s always a wonderful experience,” he said.

The Super Kings also have Harbhajan Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Imran Tahir and Mitchell Santner in their spin contingent. Chawla’s inclusion, according to head coach Stephen Fleming, bolsters their spin attack.

“We rate Chawla very highly. Our captain has a great relationship with him and he has proven that he is a quality leg-spinner.

“We always favour spin at our home ground… We all know it’s spin dominant. So having a lot of spinners isn’t a bad thing,” Fleming said.

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