Asia Cup 2023: Aakash Chopra Predicts Yuzvendra Chahal Might Not Feature In India's World Cup Squad

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal might not be included in India’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2023. Aakash Chopra said that Yuzvendra Chahal could only feature in the World Cup in case of an injury in the squad.

Yuzvendra Chahal was not included in India’s 17-member squad for the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup, scheduled to begin on August 30. Kuldeep Yadav was the only specialist spinner in the squad, with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel being spin-bowling all-rounders.

Just One Wrist-Spinner In This tournament – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra mentioned that Yuzvendra Chahal was omitted from the squad because the selectors aimed to strengthen the batting lineup.

“You are going with just one wrist-spinner in this tournament. I feel you won’t be able to create a place for Yuzi (Yuzvendra) Chahal for the World Cup as well because if it wasn’t created here, it won’t be created there as well unless there is an injury,” Chopra said.

Chahal has only played two ODI matches this year, picking up three wickets at an average of 33.67 and an economy rate of 5.83. Overall, he has taken 121 wickets in 72 ODIs with an economy rate of 5.26.

Either See Axar Or Shardul At No. 8 – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said that either Shardul Thakur or Axar Patel would be included in the playing XI, considering their ability to bat at the No. 8 position.

“It will be interesting to see the sort of XI they make because when you select the team, you will either see Axar or Shardul at No. 8. You will see either of the two definitely playing.”“If Axar plays, for example, then 10 overs from Jaddu and 10 overs from Axar. That’s going to be an interesting 20 overs of left-arm spin, almost similar kind of bowling effort.”

“It’s not that left-arm spin doesn’t work but you don’t bowl left-arm spinners much against left-handers. So your game plan will get slightly stuck there. If that happens, you might see Shardul at No. 8, if the opposition team has three or four left-handers.”

Also read: Asia Cup 2023: Yuzvendra Chahal Shares Cryptic Post Following Asia Cup Snub