Following India’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2022, the Indian team selection was immensely criticised by veterans and experts of the game. Several people criticised team management for not utilising Yuzvendra Chhaal, who didn’t get a single opportunity to represent team India in the marquee event.
Yes, unlike in 2021 T20 World Cup, the leg-spinner was picked in the squad, but did not get an opportunity play any of the matches. Now almost a month after India’s heartbreaking exit from the World Cup in Australia, Yuzvendra Chahal opened up about non-selection in the world cup.
Almost every member of the 15-men squad was picked for at least one match in the World Cup by team India. However, Yuzvendra Chahal and fast bowler Harshal Patel were the only two players to not have played a single game. Chahal was kept out of the playing xi to make space for veteran Ravi Ashwin and left-arm spinner Axar Patel, as both of these players also provided batting depth to the Indian side.
Speaking to India Today, Chahal broke his silence on the matter and admitted that he knews about his exclusion after he saw Ashwin and Axar perform well, but he still kept himself prepared for the game. He said:
“It’s not an individual game. Every team has their own set of combination. And then I saw Ashwin and Axar performing well…those things happen in life. I just knew that if get an opportunity I have to be ready and coach and Rohit bhai had clarified that to me,”
When he was asked about the back-to-back snubs in the T20 World Cups, Chahal remained positive as he feels that he will be a part of the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup team. He said:
“The 50-over World Cup is going to happen next. The last World Cup which I had played, in 2019, was also a 50-over World Cup. I don’t tend to think about all these stuff that much. For me, what matters is playing for India, that is my first goal. Now whether I am picked in the XI or not that is not in my hand. I hope I can continue playing in the same manner, get to play for my country and hope India become the champions in 2023,”
