IND vs ENG: Graeme Swann Believes Yuzvendra Chahal Should Be In The Test Squad

Graeme Swann, a former England off-spinner, believes Yuzvendra Chahal should be included in the Test squad.

Yuzvendra Chahal, a leg spinner, has done well as a limited-overs specialist. He has played in 60 ODIs and 61 T20Is, taking 104 and 75 wickets in total, but the wily leg-spinner has yet to receive his first Test call-up.

While there is no denying that Chahal’s recent form has been shaky, to say the least, the experienced spinner has a knack for getting crucial breakthroughs or controlling the run-flow. As a result, he has managed to stay in the picture and play in the starting XI, most of the time in the shorter formats.

Thus, when England toured India for four Tests in early 2021, Chahal somehow expected a maiden Test call-up, given Ravindra Jadeja’s injury and R Ashwin’s recent return to full fitness. Axar Patel, on the other hand, was called up and returned with 27 wickets in three Tests.

Would you put Yuzvendra Chahal in the Indian Test team if you could play selector?

“I would sit with Yuzi and ask, ‘What is this?’ Do you want to represent India in red-ball cricket?’ If he does, I will immediately add him to the team. I believe he is world-class, and that he is the best spinner in the world.

“His control when bowling leg-spin in difficult conditions, particularly when the ball gets dew on him and wet, is incredible. In India, there is no more tough position to bowl in the evening.”

‘Yuzvendra Chahal is the best white-ball spinner’: Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann, a former England Off-spinner and unwavering Ashes hero Spoke with TOI before the India-England Test in Birmingham on everything.

So the best spinner is not taking part in the Test, What does this say about the selection of tests in general?

“Yuzi is the best white-ball spinner because we do not know if he can be the best red-ball spinner! However, it demonstrates how some cricketers have been pigeonholed into the white-ball format. In terms of the test’s relevance, I continue to believe it is quite healthy.”

“The passion for Tests is rekindling as teams become more aggressive. England is playing some exciting cricket. I hope Baz McCullum’s ethos pervades the Indian team and other teams around the world. It is a method of re-engaging the audience.”

Yuzvendra Chahal has played in 60 ODIs and 61 T20Is, taking 104 and 75 wickets in total.

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