Yuzvendra Chahal opens up after World Cup omission

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was in the scheme of things for a long period of time to make it to India’s squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup. However, the team management preferred Axar Patel over him in the recently concluded Asia Cup and after the left-arm spinner was ruled out of the mega tournament following an injury, the think tank decided to bring in the experience of Ravichandran Ashwin into the mix, leaving Chahal out of contention.

Speaking about his unfortunate omission, Chahal mentioned that he is used to it now as similar things happened with him in the past as well. The 33-year-old added that he is sad following his omission but understands that the team can only select 15 players for the tournament.

“I understand that only fifteen players can be a part, because it’s a World Cup, where you can’t take 17 or 18,” Chahal told Wisden India earlier this week. “I do feel a little bad, but my motto in life is to move on. I’m used to it now… it’s been three World Cups (laughs),” Chahal was quoted as saying by Wisden.

I came to Kent because I want to play cricket somewhere, somehow: Chahal

In order to keep himself fit and available, Yuzvendra Chahal signed for Kent to play three matches in the ongoing County Championship. The spinner mentioned that he wanted to play cricketer somewhere, somehow and hence decided to play for Kent and with that he also wants to keep his dream to play red-ball cricket for India alive.

“That’s why I came here (at Kent) to play because I want to play cricket somewhere, somehow. I’m getting a chance here with a red ball, and I seriously want to play red ball for India. So it was a good experience for me. I spoke to the coaches too, and they’re happy I’m playing somewhere, because you can practice as much in the nets, but match is match. I’m getting to play at a very good level here – first division, County – learning a lot here,” he added.