The India Cricket Team squad for the ICC T20 World Cup is set to be announced soon. Ahead of it, the BCCI Selection Committee faces a tiring challenge. Yuzvendra Chahal or Axar Patel conundrum continues to trouble the selectors. While Ravindra Jadeja is a regular stay, the need for a third spinner to partner Kuldeep Yadav is a big headache for the selectors.
Why Yuzvendra Chahal deserves a chance?
Apart from Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav is also a mainstay with Team India. But if IPL 2024 is a testament, then Yuzvendra Chahal deserves a spot in the Indian Cricket Team. Exiled from the Men in Blue after the India tour of West Indies in 2023, Chahal is keen to make a comeback in the Indian setup.
Following the series, Yuzvendra Chahal faced consecutive snubs in the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup and also the other T20I series against Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan. But the veteran spinner fared well in the domestic setup and wove his magic in IPL 2024.
He became the only bowler in the history of the tournament to scalp 200 wickets to his name. Currently, in the Indian Premier League, Chahal has bagged 13 wickets in 8 matches. This makes him the joint second highest in the tournament, behind Harshal Patel.
More on T20 WC
Yuzvendra Chahal vs Axar Patel
Whilw Jadeja and Kuldeep are set, there is a need for a third spinner in the Indian Team. The top two players competing for the spot are Axar Patel and Chahal. While Axar Patel‘s advantage lies in his ability to bat, Chahal’s only advantage is his excellent bowling.
Furthermore, in the Indian setup, there are no bowlers post Jadeja ta number 7 who can bat. Therefore, logic dictates having Axar Patel who is a good bowler and also a brilliant finisher. Quite handy with the ball, Axar has bagged 7 wickets from 9 games already this season.
On the other hand, having Chahal as a specialist spinner has it’s advantage. Not only will the formidable Kul-Cha pairing will be back, Chahal’s knack of picking regular wickets in short intervals will be a big boost for Rohit Sharma and Co.
