'It's not an individual game' - Yuzvendra Chahal breaks silence on not being picked to play in T20 World Cup 2022

Leading up to the T20 World Cup in Australia, Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal seemed to be the favourite among spinners to feature in the playing XI. After being dropped from the 2021 edition of the tournament, Chahal played some brilliant cricket, picking up 27 wickets from 17 matches he played in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League. For India, the 32-year-old managed to pick up 23 wickets from 21 T20Is he played in 2022.

Thus, it was expected for him to start for India in the T20 World Cup. However, to everyone’s surprise, Chahal didn’t feature in a single match as India once again failed to win the trophy. He had to make his way for veteran Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, who were ahead of him to provide batting depth in the squad.

Speaking about the entire drama, the Haryana-born spinner revealed that the team management clarified his role to him and he understands the reason he didn’t play any of the matches.

“It's not an individual game. Every team has their own set of combination. And then I saw Ashwin and Axar performing well...those things happen in life. I just knew that if get an opportunity I have to be ready and coach and Rohit bhai had clarified that to me,” Chahal said.

Whether I am picked in the XI or not that is not in my hand: Chahal

Looking at the future, the 32-year-old only wants to focus to make his return to the Indian team. He mentioned that he currently isn’t thinking of featuring in the playing XI as it is not on his hands.

“The 50-over World Cup is going to happen next. The last World Cup which I had played, in 2019, was also a 50-over World Cup. I don't tend to think about all these stuff that much. For me, what matters is playing for India, that is my first goal. Now whether I am picked in the XI or not that is not in my hand. I hope I can continue playing in the same manner, get to play for my country and hope India become the champions in 2023,” the leg-spinner added.