ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Yuzvendra Chahal speaks about being snubbed for third consecutive time

He had previously missed out on the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE and did not get playing time in the 2022 edition, despite being part of the squad.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal faced disappointment once again after he was left out of the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 squad. This marked the third consecutive time that the spinner was not taken into consideration for a major tournament.

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He had previously missed out on the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE and did not get any playing time in the 2022 edition, despite being part of the squad.

Speaking on the same, Chahal said he his accepted the situation and acknowledged that being left out had become a recurring aspect of his cricketing journey.

"I understand that only fifteen players can be a part of the squad because it's a World Cup, where you can't take 17 or 18," Chahal remarked, according to Wisden in England.

He went on to say, "I do feel a little disheartened, but my life motto is to move on. I'm used to it now... it's been three World Cups (laughs)," Chahal added with a touch of humour. Chahal, who represents the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, explained that he decided to play County Cricket in England because he didn't want to remain idle.

"That's why I came here [to Kent] to play because I want to be on the cricket field somehow, somewhere," Chahal explained.

"I'm getting an opportunity here with the red ball, and I'm genuinely eager to represent India in Test cricket. So, it has been a valuable experience for me," he added.

In their World Cup squad, the Indian team has decided to include three spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and the late addition R Ashwin, who replaced the injured Axar Patel. Among these spinners, Kuldeep is likely to be India's favoured pick due to the distinctiveness of his bowling style.

Regarding Chahal, he is currently engaged in County Cricket, and when reflecting on his experience, the bowler expressed his satisfaction with competing at a high level in England. He also emphasized his aspiration to don the Indian Test cricket jersey.

"I've spoken to the coaches too, and they are pleased that I'm actively playing somewhere because as much as you practice in the nets, nothing quite matches the experience of a match. I'm gaining invaluable experience here, playing at a high level – in the first division of County Cricket," Chahal concluded.

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