The cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation as the T20 World Cup 2024co-hosted by the USA and the West Indiesinches closer to its June 2nd kick-off. With a coveted spot on the line, players across the globe are fiercely competing to secure their place in their respective national squads. In the midst of the high-octane Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Keshav Maharaj dropped a bombshell, unveiling his pick for the world’s best white-ball leg spinner.

Keshav Maharaj picks World’s best white-ball leggie

Making his IPL debut this season for the RR, Maharaj has already made a splash. In his first IPL match against the Gujarat Titans (GT)the South African spinner showcased his experience of 121 international matches and 227 wickets across formats. He recently caused a stir by naming Yuzvendra Chahal as the world’s best white-ball leg spinner.

“Ravi Ashwin and Yuzi bhai are two of the best spinners. It’s a great learning for me to play with them, I also love Test cricket so picking brains from Ash. Yuzi is the best leggie in white ball cricket currently,” said Maharaj.

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A glance at the stats of player picked by Maharaj

Chahal’s journey in the IPL began in 2011 with the Mumbai Indians (MI). However, his initial stint was limited, as he only featured in one match across three seasons, against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 24th, 2011. In the 2014 IPL auction, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)acquired him for his base price of ₹10 lakh. After a successful spell with RCB, he was picked up by the RR in the 2022 mega auction for ₹6.5 crore.

Chahal’s performance has steadily improved over the years, and he now holds the distinction of being the leading wicket-taker in IPL history. In his 152 IPL matches, he has taken 199 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 7.7. Chahal’s international career began in 2016. He has established himself as a key player in white-ball cricket for India, amassing 217 wickets in 152 matches. Chahal would now be aiming to secure his spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad with such a wealth of experience under his belt.

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