Yuzvendra Chahal Equals Sunil Narine’s IPL Record with Stunning 4-Wicket Haul Against KKR!
In a thrilling encounter at Mullanpur on Tuesday, Punjab Kings (PBKS) leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by equaling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) legend Sunil Narine’s record for the most four-wicket hauls in the tournament. Chahal’s mesmerising spell of 4/28 propelled PBKS to a commanding 16-run victory over KKR, defending a modest total of 111 runs in a match that showcased his mastery over spin bowling.
Chahal’s match-defining performance came at a critical juncture, as he dismantled KKR’s batting line-up with precision. His victims included key players like Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh, triggering a dramatic collapse from 62/2 to a paltry 95 all out in just 15.1 overs. This remarkable effort marked Chahal’s eighth four-wicket haul in the IPL, bringing him level with Narine’s long-standing record.
Beyond this historic feat, Chahal also solidified his dominance over KKR, becoming the third-most successful bowler against the franchise with an impressive tally of 33 wickets. Notably, this was his third four-wicket haul against KKR, a record for any bowler against a single opponent in IPL history. His knack for turning games against the Kolkata outfit underlines why he is considered one of the most lethal spinners in the league’s history.
In the ongoing IPL season, Chahal has scalped 6 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 32.50 and an economy rate of 10.26. While his economy has been on the higher side, his ability to strike at crucial moments remains unmatched. Adding another feather to his cap, Chahal surpassed T20 veterans Mohammed Nabi (369 wickets) and Mohammad Amir (366 wickets) to become the 11th-highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket history with a staggering 370 wickets in 318 matches. He also holds the distinction of being India’s leading wicket-taker in T20s, trailing behind global leader Rashid Khan, who tops the charts with 638 wickets in 468 matches.
Reflecting on the match, PBKS won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a challenging total on a tricky Mullanpur surface. Openers Priyansh Arya (22 off 12) and Prabhsimran Singh (30 off 15) provided a fiery start with a 39-run partnership, but KKR’s bowling attack soon took control. Harshit Rana (3/25) led the charge, supported by brilliant fielding from Ramandeep Singh, reducing PBKS to 54/4 in the powerplay. Spinners Sunil Narine (2/14) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/21) tightened the screws, eventually bowling out PBKS for 111 in 15.3 overs.
KKR’s chase began with promise, as Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37 off 28) looked to steer his team to victory. A late cameo from Andre Russell (17 off 11) offered a glimmer of hope, but it was Chahal’s wizardry, combined with Marco Jansen’s 3/17, that sealed KKR’s fate. The 16-run defeat highlighted KKR’s struggles against quality spin, leaving them languishing at sixth place in the IPL standings with 6 points from 3 wins and 4 losses. Meanwhile, PBKS climbed to fourth position with 8 points, having won 4 of their 6 matches so far.
Chahal’s performance wasn’t just a statistical milestone; it was a reminder of his enduring value in white-ball cricket. As one of the most consistent spinners in the IPL, his ability to outfox batsmen with guile and variation continues to be a game-changer. With the season still wide open, fans will be eager to see if Chahal can surpass Narine’s record and further cement his legacy as an IPL icon.