Yuzvendra Chahal, despite feeling disappointed about missing out on a spot in the 2023 World Cup, remains resolute in his determination to bounce back and earn his place back in the Indian team. In an interview with Wisden India, Chahal shared his thoughts on the disappointment of being left out of the World Cup squad, an event hosted entirely in India.
Chahal acknowledged the constraints of squad selection, with only fifteen players allowed in the World Cup team, saying, “I understand that only fifteen players can be a part because it’s a World Cup, where you can’t take 17 or 18. 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).”
Chahal, known for his prowess as a white-ball spinner, has been a significant contributor to the Indian team since his debut in 2016. He holds the record for the third-highest number of ODI wickets by an Indian bowler and the second most by an Indian spinner after Kuldeep Yadav. He also impressed in the 2019 World Cup, where he emerged as the leading spinner with 12 wickets, defying seamer-dominated conditions.
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The three World Cups Chahal referred to include the last two T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022. Despite making the squad in 2022, he did not get the opportunity to play.
For the 2023 World Cup, India initially opted for a spin combination of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, due to Axar’s injury, R Ashwin was a late inclusion.
Chahal’s exclusion from the squad sparked discussions in cricketing circles, with former cricketers like Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh expressing their views that he should have been included.
In pursuit of playing time, Chahal joined Kent for three games in the County Championship to work on his red-ball form and nurture his dream of representing India in Test cricket.
Chahal maintains a positive outlook on competition within the Indian team, saying that it motivates him to work harder and regain his spot. He sees it as a collective effort towards the goal of winning for India.
In Chahal’s view, India is poised to lift the 2023 World Cup, with the final scheduled for November 19. Regardless of his current status in the team, he remains supportive of his teammates and is committed to putting in the effort needed to make a comeback.