Shoaib Akhtar’s scathing assessment of Yuzvendra Chahal’s World Cup omission. Shoaib Akhtar’s scathing assessment of Yuzvendra Chahal’s World Cup omission
The BCCI has announce India’s 15-man roster for the ODI World Cup 2023, which will begin on October 5th. While the majority of the expected names were on the list for the cricketing spectacular. A handful miss out on the chance to represent their country in the largest tournament of all time.
Yuzevndra Chahal, a wrist spinner who has been a regular component of the team in the run-up to the World Cup, is one such player. However, despite the fact that the event was just a month away, he didn’t find himself in the picture. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticized India’s approach of extending their batting through all-rounders. Emphasizing the significance of a diverse bowling attack in response to Chahal’s exclusion.
“I’m not sure how they didn’t choose Chahal. The problem with the Indian team is that when they are out for 150 or 200, it is the bowlers who must perform, not the batsmen. How long will you keep your batting lineup together? What will the No. 7 or No. 8 batsman do if the first five batsmen can’t do anything? So, I actually believe you’re playing with one bowler fewer,” he stated at a Star Sports press conference.
Akhtar also suggested that India should have selected left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh to give more variety to their bowling.
“And, once again, I believe Arshdeep needed to be in the squad because, when playing against someone like Pakistan, you need that left-handed seamer,” he continued.
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Arshdeep Singh yet to pick a wicket in ODIs
Arshdeep has been outstanding in T20Is after making his international debut in July 2022. The left-arm seamer has 50 wickets at an average of 18.98 in 33 appearances. However, despite playing three ODIs, he has yet to take a wicket.
Yuzendra Chahal, on the other hand, has had a strong ODI record since 2021, averaging just over 26 with the ball and taking 29 wickets in 18 matches. Chief Selector Agarkar, on the other hand, noted that Kuldeep Yadav has pipped him with his resurgence in the 50-over format since 2022, along with Axar Patel, who can also contribute with the bat.
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