Yuzvendra Chahal, one of India’s top white-ball spinners, has faced challenges in securing a spot in the Indian playing XI lately. Despite being part of most white-ball assignments, either he or Kuldeep Yadav is usually selected, not both.
Despite discussions about his exclusion in some matches, Chahal remains unperturbed by the lack of game-time. He responded firmly to reporters, emphasizing that cricket is a team game, not an individual pursuit like chess.
“Team combination is our priority and it is not something new,” Chahal told reporters of the second T20I against West Indies. “At 7 we generally play Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel.”
“Three spinners can only play if the wickets are spin friendly. Kuldeep is bowling really well, he is in a great rhythm and that’s why team is backing him. I keep working on nets so that whenever I get the chance I will grab it.”
Yuzvendra Chahal was excluded from all three ODIs against West Indies but made the cut for the 1st T20I
Chahal was overlooked in all three ODIs against West Indies but managed to secure a place in the first T20I. The experienced spinner expressed contentment in wearing the Indian jersey, whether as a playing XI member or as one of the 15 squad members chosen for the tour.
“We are professional cricketers. I was playing after two months, last I played was in the IPL. It is all about the preparation.”
“This is not an individual sport, you are playing here for your team. There are times when players has to sit out for two series, so it doesn’t mean that they are not part of the team.”
“I am very happy that I am getting to wear the blue jersey every day. I am not sitting at home. I am travelling with the team. I am part of the team. I have played chess, it is an individual game but cricket is a team sport.”
“Out of fifteen people in the squad only eleven can play. In the past few series, when I was playing Kuldeep was not getting the chances,” he explained.
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