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The cricketing community was abuzz with surprise when Yuzvendra Chahal, India’s prominent leg-spinner, was overlooked for the entirety of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Instead, Kuldeep Yadav was chosen as the primary spinner, complementing spin all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who played crucial roles in India’s successful T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
Reason revealed for Yuzvendra Chahal’s ongoing exclusion from the Indian Cricket Team.
Despite Yuzvendra Chahal’s consistent performances in IPL 2024, his surprise omission from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad raised eyebrows. Having last played a T20 international in August 2023 and not featuring in an ODI for over 19 months, Chahal finds himself waiting longer for an opportunity with the Indian Cricket Team.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Indian selectors have decided to keep Chahal on hold for now. His role primarily as a lower-order batsman, usually at No. 11, hasn’t favored him in the evolving landscape of modern cricket, which increasingly values multi-dimensional players who can excel with both bat and ball.
While acknowledging Chahal’s prowess as a world-class spinner, the selectors feel that his bowling skills alone may not suffice for a guaranteed spot in India’s white-ball squads. The report suggests that Chahal needs to bide his time and be ready to seize his chance when it eventually comes.
Can the Vijay Hazare Trophy revive Yuzvendra Chahal’s international career?
Moving past the disappointments of being overlooked for both the T20 World Cup 2024 and the recent Sri Lanka tour, Yuzvendra Chahal has redirected his focus towards domestic cricket.
His pathway back into the Indian team hinges heavily on delivering standout performances in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. Scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 18, 2025, this List A tournament holds immense importance for Chahal to reaffirm his credentials.
The BCCI will closely observe the tournament, knowing its role in shaping the squad for the upcoming home series against England and the prestigious Champions Trophy 2025.
For Chahal, every match in the forthcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy presents an opportunity to showcase his abilities and underline why he deserves a place in the national setup once more.
