Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his support behind leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s potential inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June. Pathan gave a huge warning to Rohit Sharma, claiming that Chahal’s absence could hinder India’s chances of clinching the ICC tournament.
It has to be noted that Chahal made his last appearance for the Indian cricket team in a T20I match against the West Indies in August last year. Chahal is India’s most successful wicket-taker in the shortest format of the game, having claimed 96 wickets in 80 matches, maintaining an average of 25.09 and an economy rate of 8.19. His best bowling figures stand at an impressive 6/25.
Irfan Pathan Gave A Huge Warning To Rohit Sharma Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2024
Speaking on Star Sports Press Room, Irfan Pathan highlighted that Yuzvendra Chahal’s absence from the squad was detrimental for India, especially evident in the semi-final of the previous T20 World Cup. He said:
“In the last World Cup in Australia, I kept suggesting Chahal’s inclusion in the playing XI for the semis, when commentators from all over the world were around. But it never happened,”
Irfan Pathan anticipates that Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will likely secure spots as India’s primary spinners in the World Cup squad, potentially leading to Yuzvendra Chahal being left out. Pathan cautioned against repeating past errors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance in the team selection process.
“What I want from Team India is to have a proper bowling unit. A wrist spinner is a must in the playing XI, especially when you go to the World Cup. So, Kuldeep Yadav is in great form. You’ll have Jadeja as a left-arm spinning all-rounder because you need two spinners. So, Chahal might miss out again.”
“Because you will obviously think whether you are going to take two fast bowlers or you’re going to take three spinners. But, if a guy like Chahal who is a wrist spinner is not there in the Indian team, we’re going to have a similar result to what we had before,” Pathan added.
Chahal is currently playing for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2024. He is leading the wicket-taking charts in the tournament. With 12 wickets in 7 matches, averaging 18.08 and an economy rate of 8.35, he’s been in stellar form, with a best performance of 3/11.
In contention for the third spinner spot with Axar Patel, Chahal must sustain his bowling prowess to solidify his spot in the upcoming ICC tournament.
