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Last month, India announced their 17-member squad, along with a traveling reserve, for the Asia Cup. Yuzvendra Chahal was not on the list. Fans alongside many former Indian Cricket Legends were shocked at the move from India but thought that the spinner would be back for the ODI World Cup 2023. There was a late opening in the squad but still, Chahal didn't get selected. He didn't even express his feelings about that but finally, he opened up his thoughts.
"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 said. "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," Chahal said to Wisden India.
The spinner had earlier missed the cut for the 2021 T20 World Cup despite an impressive IPL season that season. He was picked in the 2022 team but did not get a single game. For the 2023 ODI World Cup, Chahal was ignored with India choosing Kuldeep as the primary spin option with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as the spin-bowling all-rounders. Later Ashwin replaced Axar as the latter sustained an injury.
In June of 2016, Chahal made his debut in the ODI format and has picked 121 wickets until now, the third-most by an Indian bowler and second among spinners after Kuldeep Yadav during the period. In 72 appearances, it also includes two five-wicket hauls. The leggie picked up 12 wickets in 8 games in the 2019 World Cup, most amongst the spinner including a 4 wicket haul.
Yuzvendra Chahal also opened up on losing the ODI World Cup 2023 spot to Kuldeep and Ashwin
"I don't think too much about competing with other spinners in the Indian team. Because I know if I perform well, I'll play," Chahal said. "Someone or the other will eventually replace you in the future. That time will come someday." "I take up the challenge in this way. Definitely, they are doing well and I appreciate that. The main goal is that India should win because this is not an individual game. If I am part of the team or not, they are like my brothers. Obviously, I support India. I like the challenge. It tells me I need to work hard so that I come back," Chahal concluded.