Cricket, often considered gentleman’s game, has seen the rise of brilliant and energetic players who have irrevocably changed the game. The same can be said for Yuzvendra Chahal, whose name is mostly synonymous with deft leg-spin. As a result, he has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of India’s top spin bowlers.
Born and brought up in Haryana, he moved from the chessboard to the cricket field with exceptional flexibility and tenacity. Starting his cricketing journey in domestic circuits, Chahal quickly gained attention through stellar performances in the IPL. Eventually, he earned a spot with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014. He made his debut for the Indian team in 2016, thanks to his talent at taking wickets and keeping economy rates.
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The versatility of Yuzvendra Chahal’s game is one of its most impressive features. Chahal has demonstrated a variety of skills, including the ability to mix up his speed, successfully use the googly, and trick batsmen with tiny variations in pitch. His success on the global stage has been largely attributed to his capacity to adapt to new situations and learn from them. His IPL success extended to a captaincy stint with RCB in 2020, where he demonstrated strategic acumen.
However, in recent times, it seems like Yuzvendra Chahal has been sidelined and is not getting chances to play more important games. Recently, he was also excluded from the World Cup 2023 squad. While the decision shocks everyone, Yuzvendra Chahal also recently shared his opinion on his exclusion.
Yuzvendra Chahal shares his opinion on his exclusion from the World Cup squad.
Despite playing consistently well, Yuzvendra Chahal was forced to miss three World Cups in a row: the T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022 and the ODI World Cup in 2023. Even though Chahal secured a spot in the 2022 World Cup squad, he remained benched throughout the tournament. In a recent interview with Wisden, Chahal expressed his acceptance of the selectors’ decisions, recognizing the constraints of squad selection for a World Cup. He said,
“I understand that only fifteen players can be a part, because it’s a World Cup, where you can’t take 17 or 18.”
Chahal added,
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“I do feel a little bad, but my motto in life is to move on. I’m used to it now… it’s been three World Cups (laughs).”
He stressed the significance of individual performance and the knowledge that replacements are inevitable in the dynamic world of cricket, unfazed by the rivalry among spinners in the Indian team. Chahal said,
“I don’t think too much in that sense [on competing with other spinners in the Indian team’, because I know if I perform well, I’ll play.”
Chahal added,
“Someone or the other will eventually replace you in the future. That time will come someday.”
Initially, the Indian team comprised spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. However, because of Axar’s injury, Ravichandran Ashwin was brought in to replace him, despite the fact that during the last several years, he has hardly appeared in any ODIs for India. Despite this, Chahal believes that winning the World Cup for India is the only thing that counts. He said,
“I take up the challenge in this way: definitely, they are doing well and I appreciate that. The main goal is that India should win, because this is not an individual game.”
Chahal added,
“If I am part of the team or not, they are like my brothers. Obviously, I support India [team]. I like the challenge: it tells me I need to work hard so that I come back.”
Former cricket players have also spoken out in support of Chahal. They also warned that the Indian team would suffer significantly if the spinner is left off the World Cup roster.
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