If any wrist spinner has played consistently for India for a long time, it's Chahal: Sanjay Bangar

The exclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal from India's T20 world cup squad last year raised many eyebrows across the globe. However, the tweaker from Haryana made a remarkable comeback into the Indian T20 side based on his prolific returns in the IPL. He is all set to lead India's spin attack in Australia's upcoming T20 world cup. 

The former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Chahal's absence immensely contributed to India's group-stage exit in the 2021 T20 world cup. 

Speaking to Star Sports, Bangar opined that India desperately missed Chahal's guile in the mega event last year and predicted the veteran leg spinner to emerge as India's trump card with the ball in the T20 world cup to be played later this year. 

Bangar, who represented India in 27 international matches, also highlighted Chahal's legacy by addressing him as the second longest-serving leg spinner of India after Anil Kumble.    

"Yuzvendra Chahal is a player who was missed a lot in the last world cup. He will definitely emerge as a trump card in Australia and give the Indian team good success," said Bangar while talking to the broadcasters. 

"If any leg spinner has played consistently for a long time for India, that is Anil Kumble. After Anil Kumble, if any wrist spinner has played consistently for India for a long time, it is Yuzvendra Chahal," he added. 

To note, Chahal was an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore till IPL 2021 and has played many matches at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium. 

Bangar, who currently serves as the head coach of RCB, stressed that bowling on the batting-friendly Bangalore wicket for many years had played a key role in Chahal's evolution as an outstanding T20 bowler. 

Elaborating on the matter, the former Indian allrounder said that Chahal succeeds by making subtle variations in the seam position and bowling on more comprehensive lines, which he has gradually learnt from his experience of playing at RCB's home ground. 

"Absolutely, it has played a huge role. It is tested how big a heart you have. When you learn to get hit and are not afraid of getting hit, then you learn how to bowl. He changes his seam position slightly and bowls different-different lines, and this has been his strength. He has brought a very good aspect to his game, which is to bowl on wider lines to both right-handers and left-handers. That learning he has got has come from Chinnaswamy only," the 49-year-old concluded.