Yuzvendra Chahal, who is IPL 2022’s leading wicket-taker, said that he believes late Australia legend Shane Warne is watching him from above. The Indian leg-spinner’s statement came on the day his team – the Rajasthan Royals – takes on the Gujarat Titans in the first Qualifier at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Tuesday. 

Shane Warne is regarded as the first Royal. He led RR to their first and only IPL title in the inaugural edition of the tournament – in 2008. The Australian spinner, 52, died of natural causes in Koh Samui island, Thailand earlier this year. 

Chahal paid his tribute to Warne, saying that the Aussies blessings are with him. The RR spinner further credited his success in IPL 2022 to the ‘closely knit group’ around him. 

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“I know it’s just the first season here (at Royals) for me, but it feels like I’ve been playing here for many years. I’m really relaxed here mentally, and I believe the credit goes to the people here, who take really good care of me … it has really made me connect with the franchise at a different level,” said the Purple Cap holder.

Chahal has taken 26 wickets in IPL 2022 – the most by a spinner in one season – at an average of 16.53 and economy rate of 7.67 rpo. The 31-year-old also has a hattrick and a five-wicket haul against his name. 

Also read: IPL 2022: Rajasthan Royals’ journey so far

Yuzvendra Chahal has time and again said that Warne is his idol. 

“On the other hand, it’s also special for me because Warne sir played for RR and was the first-ever Royal, and I think his blessings are with me. I feel like he’s been watching me from above,” Chahal added. 

The Rajasthan Royals finished second on the IPL 2022 points table with nine wins and five losses. They go against the Gujarat Titans after beating the Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in their last game.