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'Leaving Out...Could Be A Mistake': Yuvraj Singh On Omission of 'This' Key Player

image-ln4luwybYuzvendra Chahal was snubbed from the ODI World Cup 2023 squad (Twitter)

Renowned former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has expressed concerns about the omission of spinner Yuzvendra Chahal from India's 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, slated to commence on October 5.

In an interview with The Week, Yuvraj Singh highlighted that leaving out Chahal might be a questionable decision, as the seasoned leg-spinner could have been a valuable asset on slower and turning wickets during the tournament. Chahal boasts an impressive record, having taken 141 wickets in 72 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for India.

“Leaving out Yuzvendra Chahal could be a mistake, could be a worry. At least could have kept him in the squad. A leg-spinner is someone who will always take wickets for you. Kuldeep is doing fantastic. But Chahal could have been dangerous on turning tracks and slower wickets. Hardik giving you the balance of a third seamer, you could have picked Yuzvendra Chahal.”

Yuvraj emphasized the importance of having a leg-spinner in the squad, emphasizing their knack for taking wickets. While acknowledging the exceptional performance of Kuldeep Yadav, Yuvraj suggested that Chahal's skillset could have been especially effective on pitches that favored spin bowling. He also noted that all-rounder Hardik Pandya provides the squad with the option of a third seamer, which could have balanced the team well alongside Chahal's spin.

Yuvraj Singh also expressed optimism about the return of pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah to the Indian squad after a prolonged absence due to a back injury that sidelined him for over 11 months. He viewed Bumrah's comeback as a positive development for the team, addressing concerns about the fast-bowling department.

Furthermore, Yuvraj stressed that while India's recent victory in the Asia Cup was commendable, it did not guarantee success in the World Cup. However, it did indicate that the Indian team was in good form leading up to the prestigious tournament.

“Jasprit Bumrah coming back is good because there was something missing in that department. I had some concerns before the Asia Cup due to injuries. Winning the Asia Cup does not guarantee that you will win the World Cup. However, it shows that India is in good form.” 

In the lead-up to the World Cup, following their 2-1 series win against Australia in a three-match ODI series, India is scheduled to play a warm-up match against England at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Subsequently, they will face the Netherlands in their final warm-up fixture before commencing their World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia on October 8 at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.