“I’m used to it now”: Yuzvendra Chahal on missing his third consecutive World Cup

Chahal was not considered for selection in India's 2023 ODI World Cup squad.

By Salman Anjum - 01 Oct, 2023

When the BCCI men's selection committee announced India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 last month, there was a notable omission in it.

Wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was not considered for selection even though Akshar Patel failed to recover from his quadriceps injury. Instead, the selectors recalled veteran off-spinner R Ashwin to the World Cup squad.

Earlier, Chahal was left out of India’s 2021 T20 World Cup squad and did not play a single match in the 2022 edition of the tournament despite getting picked.

Speaking to Wisden, Chahal said he has become used to the World Cup snubs now and has already moved on.

“I understand that only fifteen players can be a part, because it’s a World Cup, where you can’t take 17 or 18,” Chahal stated.

“I do feel a little bad, but my motto in life is to move on. I’m used to it now… it’s been three World Cups (laughs),” he further added.

In order to keep himself available and in good shape, Yuzvendra Chahal opted to play County Cricket for Kent.

“That’s why I came here (at Kent) to play because I want to play cricket somewhere, somehow. I’m getting a chance here with a red ball, and I seriously want to play red ball for India. So it was a good experience for me. I spoke to the coaches too, and they’re happy I’m playing somewhere, because you can practice as much in the nets, but match is match. I’m getting to play at a very good level here – first division, County – learning a lot here,” he remarked.

Chahal has represented India in 72 ODIs so far, claiming 121 wickets at an average of 27.13 and an economy rate of 5.27 with two five-wicket hauls. He has also played 80 T20Is for the country, taking 96 scalps at an economy rate of 8.19.

By Salman Anjum - 01 Oct, 2023

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