Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the recently announced Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023 tournament on August 21, was a notable one given that Men in Blue will play its matches on spin-friendly pitches in Sri Lanka.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the 17-member India squad for the continental tournament with captain Rohit Sharma beside him.
Agarkar revealed that the selectors had gone with three spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav being the sole wrist-spinner in the squad. He also said that the selection committee faced a difficult choice between Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, two exceptional wrist spinners.
"Terrific performer but we had to look at the balance of the team. To fit in two wrist spinners was difficult. We can fit only one wrist spinner. It's unfortunate for one to miss out and right now, Kuldeep is a bit ahead. Kuldeep Yadav has had a fantastic run to this point. So someone had to miss out,” Agarkar said in the presser.
Rohit stated the team could select only 17 players for the Asia Cup and picking Yuzvendra Chahal could have meant dropping a pacer and the speedsters are likely to play a big part in the upcoming two months.
"We couldn't get Chahal in as we had only 17 slots. Doors are not closed for anyone including Ravi Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Washington Sundar for the World Cup," Sharma said at the Press conference.
However, it seems Chahal has taken the snub from Asia Cup in his stride which was evident from the cryptic message he posted on his social media account on X (formerly Twitter).
He shared an emoji of the sun behind clouds which transforms into a shining sun, giving the message that his sun will rise again.
