EXPLAINED: Why Yuzvendra Chahal Has Not Been Selected In India's Squad For Asia Cup 2023?

India has revealed its formidable 17-member squad for the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023, along with the inclusion of travelling reserve player Sanju Samson. However, what has grabbed the attention of cricket enthusiasts is the exclusion of the veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been a prominent figure in the Indian cricketing landscape for years. Instead, Prasidh Krishna was chosen as the fifth seam bowling option, a decision that has left many questioning the rationale behind it.

BCCI's chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, has shed light on this decision during a recent press conference, providing valuable insights into the exclusion of Chahal from India's Asia Cup 2023 squad. According to Agarkar, the selection committee faced a difficult choice between Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, two exceptional wrist spinners. Ultimately, they decided to lean towards Kuldeep Yadav due to his outstanding performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in recent times.

No Yuzvendra Chahal for Asia cup!

Feel for him he always gives his best, performs every time he gets chance but whenever ICC tournaments is near he gets dropped! _ pic.twitter.com/VUHHUZN3Qo

— Aryan 45 __ (@Iconic_Rohit) August 21, 2023

Agarkar stressed, "Chahal is undoubtedly a terrific performer, but we had to carefully consider the overall balance of the team. Accommodating two wrist spinners in the squad would have posed significant challenges."

Indian captain Rohit Sharma echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the door remains open for all three potential spin bowling options: R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Washington Sundar, to prove their worth and stake their claim for a spot in the upcoming World Cup.

Sharma remarked, "Opportunities are still available for everyone, including Ravi Ashwin, Chahal, and Sundar, to be a part of the World Cup squad."

Chahal's omission, though surprising to many, sheds light on the meticulous decision-making process of the selection committee. Their aim is to craft a well-balanced and formidable squad not just for the Asia Cup but also for the challenges that lie beyond. This decision underscores the dynamic nature of the team's composition and highlights the fierce competition and depth within India's cricketing talent pool.

India’s Asia Cup Squad

Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

BACK UP: Sanju Samson