After India announced their 17-player contingent for the Asia Cup 2023, the much debated issue revolved around Yuzvendra Chahal, who is nowhere to be seen in the squad. While Kuldeep Yadav is running in red-hot form and there was no chance of him being excluded, India preferred Axar Patel over Chahal as he offers batting depth.
Although Chahal had a decent IPL 2023 with the ball, taking 21 wickets in 14 matches, his form for India slumped to an extent that there were already enough questions on his place.
MORE: Bet on Asia Cup 2023 and other cricket matches from India!
Chahal's axing did not go down well with many fans and cricket pundits as they felt India needed a leg-spinner. However, as per Danish Kaneria, the Indian team management made the right move.
Kaneria, a former Pakistan spinner, spoke on his YouTube channel about India's decision to drop Chahal. Citing the leggie's inconsistency, Kaneria said that he does warrant a place in the squad.
"Yuzvendra Chahal doesn’t deserve to be in Team India right now. He has been very inconsistent. Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, has picked up wickets regularly and can be effective in the middle overs. The selectors took the right call by going with Kuldeep over Chahal," Kaneria said as quoted on his official YouTube channel.
Yuzvendra Chahal's recent numbers
While the 33-year-old has played only two ODIs in 2023, he has not been able to leave a good impression in the handful of opportunities he received. He has claimed only three wickets, conceding runs at an economy of 5.83.
Will Yuzvendra Chahal play in the World Cup?
Most likely, India will go into the upcoming World Cup with more or less the same squad they picked for the Asia Cup. This leaves Chahal with not many chances of featuring in the World Cup.
