As India unveiled its 15-member squad for the World Cup, one name was notably missing: Yuzvendra Chahal. The leg-spinning maestro, known for his ability to deceive batters, was left out of the squad, raising eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts.
Yuvraj Singh, who himself has graced the World Cup stage with match-winning performances, expressed his concerns about Chahal’s omission. In an interview with The Week, Yuvraj emphasized that leaving out Chahal could be a potential mistake. He highlighted the spinner’s proficiency on slower wickets, where his crafty spin could prove invaluable.
Yuzvendra Chahal boasts an impressive record in One Day Internationals (ODIs). With 141 wickets in 72 matches, he has consistently delivered breakthroughs for the Indian team. Yuvraj Singh’s argument revolves around the fact that a leg-spinner like Chahal has the knack for taking crucial wickets, a quality that can be a game-changer in a World Cup.
It’s worth noting that India does have another talented wrist-spinner in Kuldeep Yadav. However, Yuvraj Singh suggests that Chahal’s inclusion could have provided an added dimension to India’s bowling arsenal, particularly on turning tracks and slower pitches.
Yuvraj also touched upon the importance of balance in the team. With Hardik Pandya providing the balance of a third seamer, Yuvraj believes that having Yuzvendra Chahal in the squad would have bolstered the spin department, offering diverse options for different conditions.
“Leaving out Yuzvendra Chahal could be a mistake, could be a worry. At least, I could have kept him in the squad. A leg-spinner is someone who will always take wickets for you. Kuldeep is doing fantastic. But Chahal could have been dangerous on turning tracks and slower wickets. Hardik giving you the balance of a third seamer, you could have picked Yuzvendra Chahal,” said Yuvraj.
Shifting the focus to a positive note, Yuvraj Singh welcomed the return of pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah’s comeback after a long-term back injury is seen as a significant boost for the Indian team. Yuvraj acknowledged the concerns surrounding India’s pace department in Bumrah’s absence and believes his return fills a crucial void.
Yuvraj Singh expressed optimism about India’s form heading into the World Cup. He pointed out that winning the Asia Cup, although not a guarantee of World Cup success, is a positive indicator. It demonstrates that the team is in good shape and possesses the potential to make a mark in the tournament.
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“Jasprit Bumrah coming back is good because something was missing in that department. I had some concerns before the Asia Cup due to injuries. Winning the Asia Cup does not guarantee that you will win the World Cup. However, it shows that India is in good form,” Yuvraj added.
As the World Cup draws near, India is set to play a warm-up match against England at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. This match will serve as a valuable opportunity for the team to fine-tune their preparations. Following this, the Men in Blue will face the Netherlands in their final warm-up encounter before the highly anticipated World Cup opener against Australia at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on October 8.
