Chahal’s Conspicuous Absence from T20 World Cup Squads Raises Eyebrows
On September 27th, the Times of India reported that Yuzvendra Chahal, India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, has surprisingly never played a single match in a T20 World Cup. Despite being part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad in the West Indies and the team that lost to England in 2022, the skilled legspinner was not included in the playing XI. What’s more astonishing is that Chahal has never been considered for Test cricket, despite his impressive white-ball career spanning over 150 matches, 215 wickets, and a decent first-class record of 115 wickets in 39 matches.
“Chahal has never been considered for Test cricket, despite his impressive white-ball career spanning over 150 matches, 215 wickets, and a decent first-class record of 115 wickets in 39 matches.”
However, the 34-year-old remains determined to make a comeback to the Indian side. Chahal’s recent IPL performance for Rajasthan Royals, where he picked up 18 wickets in 15 matches, has convinced the selectors to include him as a backup to his former partner-in-crime, Kuldeep Yadav, in the T20 World Cup squad. Chahal had to fend off competition from other contenders like Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, and the evergreen R Ashwin.
Chahal’s ambitions stretch beyond the T20I side, as he now has his sights set on earning a Test call-up for next year’s England tour. To showcase his red-ball skills, the legspinner recently had a successful county stint with Northamptonshire, where he picked up 24 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls, in five matches. Chahal believes this experience in challenging English conditions will help him stake a claim in the Test team.
In addition to his on-field exploits, Chahal is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of cricketers globally. He has taken young cricketer Krish Patel, whom he believes has a bright future, under his wing to provide guidance and support.
Despite the fierce competition for spots in the Indian team, particularly in the spin-bowling department, Chahal remains undeterred. With Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja vying for limited-overs and Test spots, the road ahead may not be easy for Chahal. However, his unwavering determination and ability to consistently perform make him a force to be reckoned with, and one cannot count him out of the race for a recall to the Indian team.
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