Veteran India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s absence from India’s Asia Cup squad has sparked widespread discussions among cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike. Influential figures such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, and Irfan Pathan have voiced their opinions on this matter.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled a 17-member roster for the upcoming Asia Cup, slated to kick off in Pakistan and Sri Lanka the following week. Present at the announcement were Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Agarkar hinted that this lineup would likely mirror the team participating in the forthcoming 2023 World Cup, which is scheduled shortly after the continental event. In a reassuring development for fans, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, both plagued by injuries, have secured their spots on the team.
Agarkar confirmed Iyer’s complete recovery, but Rahul might miss the early stages of the Asia Cup due to a minor injury concern. Notably, Yuzvendra Chahal’s omission from the squad has garnered significant attention. The wrist-spinner lost out to Kuldeep Yadav, as per the management’s preference. This decision has garnered mixed reactions from former cricketers, with Matthew Hayden labelling it a “big omission.”
The sentiment was shared by Sourav Ganguly and Irfan Pathan, who also expressed their disappointment over Chahal’s absence. Ganguly stressed his preference for wrist spinners, while Pathan took to social media to express his views on the matter.
“I would pick Chahal. I would always pick wrist-spinners,” Sourav Ganguly told Hindustan Times in an interview.
Meanwhile, Pathan expressed his views on this, where he wrote: “Worry for selectors that Bumrah and Prasidh coming back from long lay off. That’s one of the two reasons you will see Indian team playing with an extra bowler who can bat. I would have Chahal in my squad. What do you guys think?”
Worry for selectors that Bumrah and prasidh coming back from long lay off. That’s one of the two reason you will see India team playing with an extra bowler who can bat. I would have chahal in my squad. What do you guys think? #AsiaCup
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 21, 2023
Yuzvendra Chahal has played a key role for India throughout the years
On the other hand, Sunil Gavaskar highlighted Kuldeep Yadav’s batting prowess as the factor that tipped the scales in his favour. Gavaskar noted that Kuldeep’s ability to contribute with the bat and bring left-hand variety gave him an edge.
“Sometimes you’re looking at the balance of the team. Maybe, you can say that Kuldeep is a handy batter down the order, so maybe that’s why he gets the nod ahead of Chahal. Also, he brings a left-hand variety.” Gavaskar to India Today.
The question remains: Does Yuzvendra Chahal still stand a chance of making it to the final roster? With the showpiece event commencing on October 5, there’s curiosity about whether the management might find a way to include Chahal.
During a press conference, the skipper mentioned that the “door is still open” for veteran spinner R Ashwin, all-rounder Washington Sundar, and Chahal to secure a place in the World Cup squad. It will be interesting to see whether Chahal seals the deal for the World Cup at home or if someone else replaces him.
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