NEW DELHI: Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has shed light on his recent exclusion from India’s squad for the upcoming 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, expressing his understanding of the situation and his determination to focus on the longer format of the game, Test cricket.
Chahal, a consistent presence in India’s white-ball squads since his debut in 2016, found himself missing from the 15-member squad for the highly anticipated World Cup, which is set to take place on home soil from October 5 to November 19.This marked the third consecutive global event from which Chahal has been omitted, following his absence from the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup and his limited participation in the 2022 edition of the same tournament held in Australia.
In response to the disappointment of not being included in the ODI World Cup squad, Chahal was quoted as saying by Wisden India: “I understand that only fifteen players can be a part because it’s a World Cup, where you can’t take 17 or 18. 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.”Despite facing these setbacks, Chahal maintains a positive outlook and is now shifting his focus toward playing Test cricket for India. He recently embarked on a brief stint with Kent in the county championship in England, providing him with valuable experience with the red ball.
Explaining his motivation, Chahal stated, “That’s why I came here [to 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.”

Acknowledging the competition for spin slots in the Indian ODI side, with players like Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin in contention, Chahal views this challenge as an opportunity to excel and make a strong comeback.
“I don’t think too much in that sense (of competing with other spinners in the Indian team),” he explained. “Because I know if I perform well, I’ll play. Someone or the other will eventually replace you in the future. That time will come someday.”
Chahal reiterated his unwavering commitment to the team’s success and his dedication to working hard to regain his place in the Indian cricket squad. Despite the recent setbacks, he remains determined to contribute to India’s victories and continue his cricketing journey.

(With inputs from IANS)