Why are Indian selectors overlooking Yuzvendra Chahal? Shocking reason revealed as things might get worse ahead

The cricketing world was abuzz when India's leading leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, did not get a chance to play a single match in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Kuldeep Yadav was preferred over Chahal as a specialist spinner alongside spin all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel during India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

The reason behind Yuzvendra Chahal's continuous exclusion from Indian Cricket Team revealed

This surprising omission came despite Chahal's consistent performance in the IPL 2024. Well, Chahal, who last played a T20 international in August 2023 and has not featured in an ODI for over 19 months, will have to wait longer for his opportunity with the Indian Cricket Team.

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Chahal has been kept on hold by the Indian selectors as of now. The senior leg-spinner’s position as a lower-order batsman, typically a No. 11, has not worked in his favor with the evolving dynamics of modern cricket.

The emphasis on having multi-dimensional players who can contribute both with the bat and ball has meant that Chahal's primary skill as a bowler, despite being a world-class spinner, is no longer enough to guarantee him a spot in India’s white-ball teams.

The report further claimed that the Indian selectors acknowledge Chahal’s talent with the ball and feel he is a world-class spinner, but he must wait for his opportunity and seize it when it comes.

Can the Vijay Hazare Trophy revive Yuzvendra Chahal's international career?

Putting behind the disappointment of not getting a chance in the T20 World Cup 2024 and missing out on another opportunity in the recent Sri Lanka tour, Chahal's focus is now on domestic cricket.

His best chance to reclaim a spot in the Indian team lies in delivering standout performances in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. This List A tournament, which is set to take place between December 20, 2024, and January 18, 2025, will be crucial for Chahal to stake his claim for India selection.

The BCCI will be closely monitoring the tournament, as it will play a significant role in selecting the squad for the upcoming home series against England and the Champions Trophy 2025. For Chahal, this means that every match in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024 is a chance to prove his worth and remind the selectors of his capabilities.

Ravindra Jadeja rested by the BCCI to keep him fresh for the Tests

Meanwhile, Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have decided to leave Ravindra Jadeja out of the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour for two key reasons. Firstly, they are keen to assess Axar Patel's ability to replicate his impressive T20I performances in ODI cricket.

Secondly, there is a strategic consideration regarding Jadeja’s workload management ahead of the buy-home schedule. The BCCI wants to keep the star all-rounder fresh and in peak condition for the upcoming 10 Test matches, scheduled between September 2023 and January 2024.

This includes five home tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by five away tests in Australia. They are aiming to ensure that Jadeja remains fresh and fully prepared for these crucial Test matches by managing his involvement in limited-over formats.