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Yuzvendra Chahal: Yuzvendra Chahal has not been included in the Indian squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) World Cup in India.
Yuzvendra Chahal, World Cup 2023: In the announced 15-member Indian squad for the One Day International (ODI) World Cup 2023, only Kuldeep Yadav has been given the opportunity as the main spinner. Star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been kept out of the squad. Additionally, spin all-rounder Axar Patel has also been given a chance in the team. Earlier, Yuzvendra Chahal was not included in the squad for the Asia Cup as well.
Why did Kuldeep and Axar get preference over Chahal?
In the past four years, Kuldeep Yadav has shown better performance in ODIs compared to Yuzvendra Chahal. During this period, Kuldeep has taken 45 wickets at an average of 33.04, while Chahal has taken 36 wickets at an average of 28.80. Besides wickets, Kuldeep also has the ability to contribute with the bat in the team.
To strengthen the batting depth in the team, Kuldeep Yadav has been considered as an all-rounder along with Akshar Patel. Chahal’s weak batting skills may also be a significant reason for him staying out of the team. Recently, in the match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, India focused more on batting depth, which is why Shardul Thakur was included in the team instead of Mohammad Shami.
It’s worth mentioning that Chahal has played 72 ODIs and 80 T20 Internationals in his career, taking 121 wickets in ODIs and 96 wickets in T20 Internationals. On the other hand, Kuldeep has played 8 Tests, 86 ODIs, and 32 T20 Internationals for India, taking 34 wickets in Tests, 141 wickets in ODIs, and 52 wickets in T20 Internationals.
Here’s the Team India lineup for the 2023 World Cup: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Akshar Patel, Mohammad Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur.
