Why Chahal Had To Miss Out Asia Cup ….: Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar Reveals

The BCCI named the 17-member squad for the 2023 Asia Cup on Monday (August 21). Tilak Varma was a surprising addition, while Yuzvendra Chahal was the most notable absence.

Since 2017, the senior leg-spinner has been a regular component of the white-ball squads and appeared to be a lock for a spot in the Asia Cup squad.

However, the selection committee overlooked him and kept Kuldeep Yadav. In a news conference following the team announcement, India chief selector Ajit Agarkar discussed Chahal's absence and explained why he did not make the cut.

"Chahal was discussed, but only occasionally.We have to look at the balance of the side. Kuldeep has been outstanding. "Axar Patel did well, but it was difficult to fit two wrist spinners, so Chahal had to miss out," he explained.

"We considered Ashwin and Washi (Washington Sundar)." But, as you can see, Chahal was left off since we can only choose 17. And we can't afford to lose a seamer; seamers will be critical in the following two months. "No one's doors are closed," India captain Rohit Sharma remarked.

Chahal sat out all three One-Day Internationals against the West Indies, trailing Kuldeep in the batting order. However, given his experience, he was expected to keep his position.

Kuldeep is currently the team's sole frontline spinner, with two spin-bowling all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Tilak can also contribute important overs on occasion.

As Rohit indicated, no player's door has been closed, and Chahal might return for the World Cup. However, he will not play any competitive games for the following month because no domestic matches are scheduled.

On September 2, India will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan. On September 4, they will face Nepal in their second match. The BCCI has until September 5 to announce the 15-member World Cup squad.

https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1693541459545514427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1693541459545514427%7Ctwgr%5E4b43f5bddd6217ada0d4759232b9f3ea183bd543%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesnownews.com%2Fsports%2Fcricket