Legendary cricketers criticise Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2023 squad
Yuzvendra Chahal (Source: Twitter)
The Indian cricket board recently announced a 17 Man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, 2023 to be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma released a press statement to declare the squad and answer the media questions about the selections.
The fans and cricket fraternity have given mixed reactions to India’s squad, while the biggest question remains to be used by Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the team. Chahal has consistently been dropped from the team ahead of the marquee tournaments since the T20 World Cup 2021.
The legendary Australian cricketer, Matthew Hayden recently justified the Indian cricket board’s decision of omitting Chahal from the squad and called it a tough decision.
Matthew Hayden believes Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion is a big omission
“There are some big omissions. Chahal, in particular, that leg-spinner, is such a superb player and (it) must be tough for the selectors because they’ve also got another one in Kuldeep (Yadav)…. he’s a superb player. So, they’ve gone for that as an option,” said Matthew Hayden.
“In the lead-up to World Cups, you’re always going to have some players and we’ve seen the class of Tilak Varma. I think it’s a good strategy in terms of not just this World Cup but even potentially getting into the next World Cup (T20 World Cup 2024) as well,” added Hayden.
Former 1983 World Cup-winning bowler Madan Lal opined about Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the Asia Cup 2023 squad. Madan Lal believes Chahal could have easily taken Axar Patel’s position in the squad since his shoes are already being filled by the All-Rounder spinner Ravindra Jadeja.
“The thing that has surprised me the most is Yuzvendra Chahal’s absence. They said there should only be one wrist spinner. Chahal is a genuine wicket-taker and a match-winner. His absence was surprising. Yes, Axar Patel has done really well in the last two-three years. I’m not criticising him but you have Ravindra Jadeja to do what he does. You need wicket-takers if you want to win matches,” said Madan Lal.
