After the recent announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming 2023 Asia Cup, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s absence was quite noticeable. The national selectors opted for Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav as the primary spin bowling choices for the tournament.
The day following the squad reveal, Dhanashree Verma, Yuzvendra Chahal’s wife, posted a cryptic message on her Instagram story. She raised a question about whether being introverted and submissive could hinder one’s career progress, pondering whether extroversion and street-smart skills were prerequisites for success.
Dhanashree Verma posts a Story
“Now I have started to question this on a serious note. If being super submissive & introvert can be harmful for your work growth? Or do we all have to be an extrovert & street smart savvy to grow in life?” she wrote.
Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm spinner, appeared to have been favored over Yuzvendra Chahal in the selection order. It’s worth noting that Chahal was left out of the playing XI for all three matches in the ODI series against the West Indies. Throughout the year, the experienced leg-spinner had only participated in two ODIs.
Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, on August 21, expressed his support for Chahal’s inclusion in the Asia Cup 2023 squad. Pathan shared his perspective on social media, stating that Chahal’s absence could be attributed to concerns about Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna returning from injuries. He mentioned that India might opt for an extra bowler who can bat due to this reason. Pathan added that he would have personally included Chahal in the squad and invited others to share their thoughts on the matter.
“Worry for selectors that Bumrah and Prasidh coming back from long lay off. That’s one of the two reason(s) you will see India team playing with an extra bowler who can bat. I would have Chahal in my squad. What do you guys think? #AsiaCup.”
Worry for selectors that Bumrah and prasidh coming back from long lay off. That’s one of the two reason you will see India team playing with an extra bowler who can bat. I would have chahal in my squad. What do you guys think? #AsiaCup
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 21, 2023
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Yuzvendra Chahal has faced exclusion before a crucial tournament. He was surprisingly left out of the T20 World Cup 2021 squad, during which India experienced an early exit in the group stage. Although he was part of the squad for the previous year’s T20 World Cup in Australia, he didn’t get a chance to feature in any of the matches.
The latest turn of events showcases the complexities of team selection and the emotions tied to such decisions, as expressed not only by players but also by their close associates like Dhanashree Verma.