Yuzvendra Chahal, once a mainstay in India’s white-ball cricket setup, seems to be facing an uncertain future with the national team. With younger spinners like Ravi Bishnoi and the returning Varun Chakravarthy stepping up, the road ahead for Chahal appears increasingly challenging. As India prepares for the T20I series against Bangladesh, Chahal’s absence from the squad raises questions about his future in Indian cricket.
Varun Chakravarthy comeback and Ravi Bishnoi rise
The recently announced squad for the Bangladesh T20I series includes several exciting prospects. Varun Chakravarthy, who last played for India in 2021, is making his long-awaited return to international cricket after recovering from injuries. His inclusion comes as a surprise but underscores the confidence the selectors have in his ability to deliver as a mystery spinner.
However, the real standout performer in India’s recent matches has been Ravi Bishnoi. The young leg-spinner has emerged as India’s ace in the spin department, impressing with match-winning performances. Bishnoi’s knack for taking crucial wickets at key moments, such as his 3/26 spell against Sri Lanka, has solidified his position in the squad. His ability to bowl under pressure and his effective use of the googly have earned him high praise from both fans and the team management.
Tough Road Back for Yuzvendra Chahal
With both Chakravarthy and Bishnoi shining, it seems like a difficult path back for Chahal. The 33-year-old leg-spinner, despite his proven abilities, has struggled to find a consistent place in the national side. While he continues to perform in domestic and county cricket—most recently taking 18 wickets in two games for Northamptonshire—his exclusion from India’s white-ball plans is hard to ignore.
Chahal’s absence from the T20I squad for the upcoming Bangladesh series, combined with the rise of younger spinners, suggests that the selectors may be looking beyond him. His exclusion becomes even more notable with the Indian team management favouring Bishnoi and Chakravarthy for key roles.
Yuzvendra Chahal achievements and contributions
It’s important to recognise that Yuzvendra Chahal has been one of India’s most successful spinners in limited-overs cricket. He has been part of several memorable wins and was even a member of the victorious 2024 T20 World Cup team.
Yet, these achievements seem overshadowed by the emergence of fresh talent in the spin department.
What lies ahead for Chahal?
Despite his exclusion from the current T20I squad, Chahal is not completely out of the picture. His recent success in county cricket has shown that he still has the skills and the hunger to perform at the highest level. With India touring South Africa and Australia later this year, it’s possible that Chahal could make a comeback if the team management feels the need for a more experienced spin option.
However, as things stand, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy have become India’s preferred spinners in T20Is, leaving Chahal’s future uncertain. For now, it appears that the selectors are focused on nurturing younger talent, which could spell the end of the road for Chahal in India’s T20 plans.
Conclusion: Transition in India’s spin department
The rise of Ravi Bishnoi and the return of Varun Chakravarthy mark a transition in India’s spin bowling department. While Chahal’s contributions to Indian cricket cannot be ignored, the team is moving towards a younger, more dynamic spin attack. Whether Chahal can force his way back into the side remains to be seen, but for now, it appears that the team is moving in a different direction.
India’s squad for 3 T20Is against Bangladesh:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, JItesh Sharma (wk), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav.
