Since January 2023, Yuzvendra Chahal hasn’t participated in an ODI. He has been a consistent member of India’s ODI squad for the past year or two, but the preferred team lineup prevents him from seeing much action right now. India typically field just two spinners when playing away from home: wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and spin allrounder Ravindra Jadeja.
For the Asia Cup and World Cup, India will almost definitely start with just one spin all-rounder in Jadeja as their first choice and Axar Patel as their backup. Additionally, Kuldeep is maintaining his lead over Chahal in the standings for wrist spinners with seven wickets in three ODIs in the West Indies.
The most crucial factor for us is the team composition, Chahal stated prior to the second T20I against the Windies. “And it’s not just right now. If you look, Jadeja or Axar [Patel] is playing at position seven. We, therefore, utilize three spinners depending on the wicket. Kuldeep is currently receiving playing time since he is bowling well and has a terrific rhythm. I simply maintain honing my skills in the nets so that I can seize the opportunity whenever it arises.
India has played two ODI series since their previous ODI, against New Zealand in January 2023 at home before the IPL, most recently against the West Indies. Chahal was a member of both teams, although he sat out the entire game. His first international match in more than two months was the opening T20I against the West Indies at Tarouba.
First and foremost, I’m thrilled that I get to wear the blue jersey every day and that I am an active member of the squad, Chahal said. The only way to win games is when all 15 players cooperate because it’s a team sport. Only 11 people can play at once. I’ve never played a two- or three-series. You need to be aware of your playing location and the makeup of your team. For instance, if the track turns, you can play three spinners instead of just one or two.
We play professionally. Since I last played in the IPL, it doesn’t matter that we are playing after two months. We simply keep getting ready in the nets. Also, you are not competing against yourself. Sometimes a player will miss a few series, but that doesn’t mean they are no longer part of the team’s plans. We talk about how many lefties are in the rival squad and focus mostly on the team composition.
Only 15 players will make up the World Cup roster, and if there is room for only three spinners, the decision could come down to Chahal or Axar, presuming Jadeja and Kuldeep take up two spots. While Kuldeep bowls with his left arm, providing wrist spin, Axar bowls with his left, similar to Jadeja, offering the team greater diversity.
Since July 2022, when Axar made his ODI debut after a hiatus of more than four years, Chahal has had a superior wicket-taking record. Axar has taken 13 wickets in 13 games with an economy rate of 4.82, compared to Chahal’s 17 wickets in 9 games with a 5.94 economy rate. Chahal might provide greater striking ability than Axar on fields where India need a wicket-taking option for the middle overs. However, Axar’s batting skills give India a reliable No. 8, especially if the XI is missing Shardul Thakur. This is to his advantage.
The remaining T20Is against West Indies are currently on Chahal’s mind. “Right now, what’s on my mind is that I am here, there are four games to play, and I have to perform,” he added. “I don’t consider things that aren’t in my control. I want to finish this series first. I’m a step-by-step thinker. These are things for the future; after this, we’ll have a camp, and then the team will be revealed. I have no control over that. I am now here and am not considering the World Cup or Asia Cup. I’m considering a series with the West Indies.