Chahal’s World Cup Dreams Shattered: The Inside Story You Need to Know

I’ve become quite accustomed to it now… this marks my third time missing out on a World Cup,” Chahal shares his thoughts on losing his spot to Kuldeep and Ashwin

Recently, Yuzvendra Chahal spoke openly about his feelings for the first time since two major squad announcements by the Indian cricket team. Last month, India unveiled a 17-player squad for the Asia Cup, and the names on the list were mostly as expected, with no real surprises. However, there was one notable absence – Yuzvendra Chahal.

Chahal’s World Cup Dreams Shattered

Even veteran cricketer Harbhajan Singh found it puzzling, though he believed Chahal would make a comeback for the World Cup. But despite a chance that opened up later, Chahal was left out again.

This is the first time Chahal has shared his thoughts about being left out of the World Cup squad after these two crucial squad announcements.

Chahal made his One Day International (ODI) debut in June 2016 and has since become one of India’s top bowlers, taking 121 wickets. This makes him the third-highest wicket-taker among Indian bowlers and second among spinners, only behind Kuldeep Yadav, during this period.

He achieved this remarkable feat in 72 appearances, which included two memorable five-wicket hauls. Chahal was also the leading spinner in the 2019 World Cup, even though fast bowlers dominated that tournament. He took 12 wickets in eight matches, including one four-wicket haul.

In a conversation with Wisden India, Chahal expressed his disappointment at not being selected for the World Cup squad but also humorously noted that it had happened to him three times in his career.

“I understand that only fifteen players can be chosen for a World Cup; you can’t have 17 or 18 players,” Chahal said. “I do feel a bit disappointed, but my philosophy in life is to keep moving forward. I’ve gotten used to it now… this is my third World Cup miss (laughs).”

Previously, Chahal missed out on the 2021 T20 World Cup despite performing exceptionally well in the IPL that year. While he was included in the 2022 team, he didn’t get a chance to play in any match.

For the 2023 ODI World Cup, which begins on October 5 in India, Chahal was once again left out, with India choosing Kuldeep as the primary spin option and Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as the spin-bowling all-rounders.

Despite a late opening in the squad due to Axar’s injury during the Asia Cup, the selectors opted for Ashwin, who hadn’t played an ODI match in 20 months, and Washington Sundar during the home series against Australia. A week later, Axar was ruled out of the World Cup squad, and India decided to go with the experienced Ashwin for the home tournament.

Chahal also opened up about losing his World Cup spot to Kuldeep and Ashwin, emphasizing his understanding of the selection process and his commitment to giving his best whenever he gets the opportunity.

“I don’t dwell too much on competing with other spinners in the Indian team because I know that if I perform well, I’ll get to play,” Chahal explained. “At some point, someone else will take your place in the future. That day will come eventually.”

“I see this challenge as an opportunity to improve. They are doing well, and I appreciate that. Ultimately, the primary goal is for India to win because this is not an individual sport.”

“Whether I am part of the team or not, they are like my brothers. Of course, I support the Indian team. I embrace the challenge because it motivates me to work hard and earn my place back.”