Over the past year, Yuzvendra Chahal, once a pivotal figure in India’s white-ball cricket, has experienced a noticeable decline in his involvement, particularly in T20Is. This shift has left former India spinner Harbhajan Singh puzzled, as he struggles to comprehend why Chahal has been sidelined from the T20I squad.
Harbhajan Singh expressed his bewilderment, highlighting Chahal’s exceptional skills as a leg-spinner and his significant contributions to the team. He emphasized the potential advantages of reuniting Chahal with Kuldeep Yadav, underscoring their successful partnership in the past.
“Why we are saying or thinking that it is the end of the road for Chahal? In fact, till now, I have not seen a better leg-spinner or a leg-spinner with a bigger heart than him. I am talking worldwide, not just in India. Ye gutthi hai jo sulajhne ka naam nahi le rhi (why he is not a part of the team is still a mystery).” said Harbhajan speaking to TOI,
“It would be great if Kuldeep and Chahal play together. Both are experienced players. The pair has done wonders for India. Kuldeep has been very good. He has been taking wickets in every match. He has got the confidence he needs. Now he feels he is where he wanted to be” he added.
Chahal’s presence in the Indian squad waned in 2023, with minimal appearances in ODIs and exclusion from the ODI World Cup squad in favour of Kuldeep. His last T20I outing for India occurred against West Indies in August last year, where his performance fell short of expectations.