Yuzvendra Chahal, India’s standout leg-spinner, has candidly shared his feelings about not being selected for the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup squad. He expressed that he has grown accustomed to being left out, as this marks the third consecutive global event where he hasn’t made the cut.
Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been a continuous presence in India’s white-ball squads since making his debut in 2016, surprisingly lost out on a position in the 15-member roster for the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup. This famous competition is planned to take place on home soil from October 5 to November 19. Notably, Chahal played a significant role in India’s performance during the 2019 Men’s ODI World Cup in England, contributing with 12 wickets.
“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 was quoted as saying by Wisden India.
Following that, Chahal’s absence from ICC tournaments has been quite noticeable. He missed out on the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup, and even in the subsequent edition held in Australia, he found himself on the sidelines without a game.
His omission from the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup became a major talking point. Many former players, including the legendary off-spin bowler Harbhajan Singh, voiced their opinion that Chahal should have been included in the squad. Chahal, on the other hand, embarked on a brief stint with Kent in the county championship in England, consisting of just three games. Now, his primary focus is to earn an opportunity to represent India in Test cricket.
“That’s why I came here [at Kent] to play because I want to play cricket somewhere, somehow. I’m getting a chance here with a red ball, and I seriously want to play red ball for India. So it was a good experience for me.”
“I spoke to the coaches too, and they’re happy I’m playing somewhere because you can practice as much in the nets, but match is match. I’m getting to play at a very good level here – first division, County – learning a lot here,” Chahal further added.
