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Xtra Time Web Desk : Current Rajasthan Royals spinner Yuzvendra Chahal on Monday opened up on how he felt in joining his new franchise after not being retained by his former franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore in what was an unlikely scenario.

Talking about him not being retained by RCB, Chahal in an interview with the Times of India said, "The thing is they never asked me. They just called me and told me about the three retentions. If they had asked me whether I wanted to be retained, I would have said yes. Because money is secondary to me. RCB have given me so much, they gave me the platform, they gave me so much love and support, the fans gave me a lot of affection. Yes, I am attached to RCB emotionally. That's the most important thing for me.

I have a close bond with RCB, especially with the fans. I got to play a lot of matches with the team. I am emotionally attached to RCB. I never thought I would play for some other team. People and fans on social media are still asking me 'why did you ask for this much money?'. The reality is that Mike Hesson (RCB Director of Cricket) called me and said 'Listen Yuzi, there are three retentions' (Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj),"

"They didn't ask me whether I wanted to be retained or tell me if they wanted to retain me. They just talked about the three retentions and I was told that - 'we will go for you in the auction'. Neither was I asked about money nor did I get any offer of retention. But I will always be loyal to my Bangalore fans. I love them so much, no matter what," Chahal stated further about his bond with the RCB fans.

Chahal who played 114 matches in the IPL, picking up 139 wickets will play in RR colours after a long spell with the Bangalore franchise. Also, the 31 year old was picked up by the Royals in 2010 as his first ever franchise although the leggie didn't get to play a single match back then.

On being asked about how he perceives his new journey with the Rajasthan Royals to be, Yuzi added, "Obviously. The jersey will be different, but the Yuzi will be the same. You will see the same kind of wicket-taking performances and celebrations from me. It's a new journey for me and I am very excited about it. Everything will be the same, only the jersey will change. The way I bowled and performed for RCB, I will do the same for RR also. Nothing is going to change. RR showed faith in me at the auction. Sanju (Samson) and I share a very close bond and we speak with each other and discuss plans. RR is looking like a strong side and I am sure we will win the title this time."

Rajasthan Royals will play their opening IPL encounter against Sunrisers on Tuesday, March 29.