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Chahal Back In RCB? IPL Teams That Could Target PBKS Ace For 2026 Season If He Is Released

Debashis Sarangi

Yuzvendra Chahal has played for RCB in the past [Source: @OneCricketApp/X]Yuzvendra Chahal has played for RCB in the past [Source: @OneCricketApp/X]

According to emerging reports, Punjab Kings (PBKS) might release veteran spin bowler Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS had a memorable campaign in 2025, finishing as the runners-up in the competition. 

Meanwhile, the franchise is apparently considering releasing Chahal to free up INR 18 Crores before the mini auction. Hailed for his ability to outfox the batters with sheer skill, Chahal had a topsy-turvy IPL run in 2025, managing 16 wickets across 14 matches. 

If he is up for grabs, here are several teams that could bid for him in the mini auction. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Why could RCB bring Chahal back into their setup?

  • Krunal Pandya was exceptional as a spinner for RCB in the 2025 season, scalping 17 wickets in 15 matches. This was undoubtedly his best-ever season with the ball, but RCB can't expect him to lead their spin attack single-handedly every season. 
  • Pandya's bowling partner Suyash Sharma struggled to strike at crucial junctures, managing only eight wickets in fourteen matches. Chahal is certainly an upgrade over him, having spent most of his IPL career in the RCB jersey. 
  • Thus, Chahal's addition could empower RCB with a more potent spin department, the only area they seem to lack at the moment. 

Gujarat Titans

Why could GT target Chahal in mini auction?

Criterion
Data
Innings27
Wickets19
Average/SR46.36/31.15
Economy8.92

(Rashid Khan's IPL stats for GT since 2024)

  • Gujarat Titans were let down by their premier spinner Rashid Khan in the IPL 2025. The Afghan spin maestro has had two forgettable seasons with the franchise, managing 19 wickets in 27 matches since 2024. 
  • Thus, considering he costs INR 18 Crores, GT might release Rashid and acquire Chahal if the latter becomes available in the mini auction. GT's spin department definitely needs a revamp, and Chahal is the best available option to lead their attack alongside Washington Sundar and Sai Kishore. 

Chennai Super Kings

Why could CSK target Chahal in mini auction?

  • Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings might be one of the few teams that could show interest in Yuzvendra Chahal if Punjab Kings release him to the auction pool. 
  • CSK brought Ravichandran Ashwin back to their setup; however, the veteran spinner wasn't even close to his best in the 2025 season, scalping only seven wickets in nine matches at a horrible economy of 9.13. 
  • With Ravindra Jadeja blowing hot and cold, CSK had to rely on Noor Ahmad for getting wickets in the middle overs. If CSK axe Ashwin, they can add INR 9.75 Crores to their purse and use it to get Chahal in the mini auction. 
  • His addition to the squad will help CSK form a lethal spin trio of Chahal, Noor and Jadeja and maximise their playoff chances by wreaking havoc on the spin-friendly home turf.