Yuzvendra Chahal’s anticipated return to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming South Africa series has raised eyebrows, marking a pivotal moment after an 11-month hiatus from the format. Celebrating his comeback on social media, the leg-spinner expressed eagerness to prove his mettle in ODI cricket, having missed the Asia Cup and World Cup squads. Chahal’s journey, encompassing determination and hard work, including a stint in the County circuit, reflects a remarkable comeback.
However, the excitement surrounding Chahal’s return takes a dramatic turn as former India spinner Harbhajan Singh openly questions the BCCI’s handling of the leg-spinner. In a candid revelation on his YouTube channel,
Harbhajan voices dissatisfaction with Chahal’s exclusion from the T20Is, considering it a mere symbolic gesture without substantial opportunity. According to Harbhajan, the T20 format overlooked Chahal’s undeniable talent.
During his absence from the national squad, Chahal actively participated in domestic competitions, showcasing his bowling prowess with an impressive tally of 19 wickets in 10 games for Haryana in tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Harbhajan’s critique extends beyond Chahal, delving into the exclusion of Test cricket stalwarts Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Umesh Yadav from the South Africa tour. With the trio playing crucial roles in India’s Test campaigns, including the historic World Test Championship final against Australia, Harbhajan emphasizes transparent communication from selectors regarding exclusions. He urges clarity on potential career paths for experienced players.
https://x.com/yuzi_chahal/status/1730240586202878304?s=20
https://x.com/WisdenIndia/status/1730514824684261414?s=20
As India gears up for the challenges of the South Africa tour, Harbhajan expresses skepticism about the absence of Pujara and Rahane, particularly in the demanding conditions for batters. While recognizing opportunities for young players, he advocates for open communication with the seasoned trio, acknowledging their substantial contributions to Indian cricket.
Also read: https://funniestindian.com/is-jasprit-bumrah-to-join-rcb/