Piyush Chawla made his debut for Chennai Super Kings a couple of days ago and got Rohit Sharma as his first wicket for CSK.
What’s interesting is that Chawla has played for three IPL franchises till date – Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders and CSK and his first wicket playing for each IPL franchise has come against Mumbai Indians.
If that’s not an interesting co-incidence, another interesting bit of fact is that Chawla also took his last wicket for his previous two IPL franchises against Mumbai Indians only.
Piyush Chawla and his bonding with Mumbai Indians
Out of all the teams Chawla has bowled against in the IPL over the years, his overall record against Mumbai Indians is the best as he has got 25 wickets against Mumbai at an average of just a tad over 23 and a strike rate of just 17.
Chawla belongs to that elite club of Indian bowlers who have got more than 150 wickets in the IPL. He might not have been consistent enough in his international career, but his performances with the ball in the IPL have been steady season after season.
And, it’s because of his steadiness with the ball that Chawla hasn’t been released by any franchise quickly as happens with many players in the IPL. Whichever franchise he has played for, Chawla has had a decent run.
The way he has started at CSK, it seems Chawla might be in for a long haul at CSK too, particularly because the UAE pitches will suit him this season and as per the reports, the next season of IPL might be held in UAE too.
Chawla , who is not in the plans of the national selectors anymore, was bought at a huge price by CSK in the IPL auction held last year.
The motive for CSK behind picking Chawla was having an Indian leg-spinner in the ranks which would allow the captain to play an extra overseas batsman and strengthen the batting.
