Harbhajan Singh has expressed his disapproval of Yuzvendra Chahal’s omission from the World Cup squad, stating that he believes Chahal to be India’s premier spinner in white-ball cricket. Despite Chahal’s exclusion, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel were chosen by the Indian team management. Although Yuzvendra Chahal was part of last year’s T20 World Cup squad, he didn’t participate in any matches during the tournament in Australia as India exited in the semifinals.
Harbhajan Singh emphasized that a few underperforming matches shouldn’t overshadow Chahal’s capabilities as a bowler. He voiced his opinion on his YouTube channel, saying, “The one thing I feel is lacking in the team is the absence of Yuzvendra Chahal. A leg-spinner who can get the ball to turn away. If you talk about a genuine spinner, I don’t think there’s any spinner in India better than Chahal in white-ball formats. Yes, his last few games weren’t good, but that doesn’t make him a bad bowler.”
Harbhajan expressed his hope for Chahal’s return to the team, particularly with the upcoming World Cup scheduled to take place in India. He believed that Chahal’s presence was essential and urged the selectors to consider him, despite his recent form not being at its best.
“I think his presence in the team was necessary. I hope the doors aren’t closed to him. It’s important to consider him for the World Cup because the tournament is in India. Chahal is a proven match-winner. I can understand his form isn’t good, so you may have rested him. But I think if he was with the team, his confidence would’ve stayed intact. Any player who comes back after being dropped, the pressure to perform is always there,” Harbhajan added.
Chahal faced difficulties during the T20I series against West Indies, where he secured just five wickets in five matches and conceded runs in the last three encounters.
By- Sahiba Suri