Yuzvendra Chahal has opened up about being left out of India’s squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, revealing that former captain Rohit Sharma personally explained the team management’s strategy behind the decision.
One of India’s most successful white-ball spinners, Chahal was known for his attacking leg-spin and wicket-taking ability. However, despite his record in international cricket, he was not included in India’s 15-member squad for the World Cup hosted at home.
Speaking to former India opener Aakash Chopra, the 36-year-old said Rohit had made it clear that India wanted greater batting depth and the flexibility to include an additional fast bowler.
Rohit Sharma Explained India’s World Cup Strategy
Chahal recalled that Rohit spoke to him about the team’s plans while he was preparing for a county cricket stint in 2023. According to the leg-spinner, the management wanted batters extending down to No. 8, which influenced the team combination.
“In 2023, when I went to play County, Rohit had told me that we want batters till number eight, so we were going with that. He told me clearly that they were also looking for an extra fast bowler for the World Cup. So it was made clear to me. After the World Cup, I just stopped thinking about selection,” Chahal said.
The explanation helped Chahal understand the selection decision, although it meant missing an opportunity to represent India at a home World Cup.
Chahal’s 2024 T20 World Cup Experience
Chahal last played an ODI for India in January 2023 and featured in his last T20I in August that year. However, an impressive Indian Premier League season in 2024 helped him earn a place in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States.
Despite being selected, he did not play a match during the tournament.
Chahal said he approached IPL 2024 with a relaxed mindset and focused on enjoying his cricket rather than putting himself under pressure. His performances also caught Rohit’s attention.
“In the IPL 2024, I just came to enjoy and did not put extra pressure on myself. That season, I did well, and Rohit told me he wanted me and we would see in the selection meeting,” he added.
Why Missing the Squad Hurt More Than Sitting Out
Chahal also explained which World Cup omission affected him the most. He said being excluded from the squad was more difficult to accept than being selected but not getting an opportunity to play.
Reflecting on the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, he said being part of the squad in 2022 at least gave him a clearer understanding of his role and the team’s possible combinations.
“I felt worse in 2021 because I was not there at all. In 2022, at least I was in the team. Sometimes you also know the combination may not work. So I did not think a lot. But you always feel that you should have at least played one World Cup game. Rohit had told me that I would play only if a particular combination worked. So at least I had the clarity,” he said.
Chahal’s Career Beyond International Cricket
Away from international cricket, Chahal completed a county stint with Northamptonshire in August before announcing his retirement from first-class cricket. He finished his first-class career with 148 wickets in 49 matches.
He continues to be a prominent name in the Indian Premier League. According to the figures cited in the report, Chahal has taken 233 wickets in 188 IPL matches at an economy rate of 8.05, making him the competition’s leading wicket-taker.
He has also claimed 396 wickets in 343 T20 matches, placing him among the most successful Indian bowlers in the format.
Although his international career has not unfolded as he might have hoped in recent years, Chahal’s record in limited-overs cricket and the IPL underlines his impact as a wicket-taking spinner.