Yuzvendra Chahal's snub from India's Asia Cup squad divides Gavaskar, Ganguly, Pathan
The BCCI announced a 17-man lineup for the upcoming Asia Cup, which kicks off next week in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The announcement of the team was made in the presence of India captain Rohit Sharma and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who also stated that this will be the same side that will play in the World Cup 2023, which will follow the continental event.
Both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who have been affected by ailments, have been named in the team, which may come as a huge relief to fans. Agarkar said that Iyer is fully fit, although Rahul may miss the first stages of the Asia Cup due to a little niggle.
Meanwhile, there have been a few significant absences, the most notable of which being Yuzvendra Chahal. The management preferred Kuldeep Yadav over the wrist spinner and he did not make the cut.
Ex-cricketers had varied feelings over Chahal's removal, with Australia great Matthew Hayden calling it a "major omission."
"There are some significant omissions. Chahal, in particular, is a terrific player, and (it) must be difficult for the selectors because they also have another one in Kuldeep (Yadav)… he's a superb player. As a result, they've chosen that alternative," the ex-Australian batter was reported as saying by PTI.
He wasn't the only one who grieved Chahal's absence from the squad. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly and ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan both expressed similar sentiments.
"I'd go with Chahal." "I always chose wrist spinners," Ganguly told the crichistory.in, in an interview.
Pathan, on the other side, aired his thoughts on social media, writing: "Worry for selectors that Bumrah and Prasidh are returning from long layoff." That is one of the two reasons why the Indian squad would have an extra bowler who can bat. Chahal would be in my squad. "What are your thoughts?"
Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar, batting icon, believes Kuldeep's batting provided him the advantage. "Sometimes you look at the team's balance." You may argue that Kuldeep is a useful batter further down the order, which is why he gets the nod over Chahal. He also offers left-hand variation." Gavaskar is visiting India today.
Is there still a chance for Chahal to make the cut?
It would be intriguing to see if the management can get Chahal in for the main event, which begins on October 5.
Taking experienced spinner R Ashwin, all-rounder Washington Sundar, and Chahal as examples, the skipper indicated in a press conference on Monday that "the door is still open" for them to reach the World Cup squad.