'Didn't feel like eating anything that night' - Yuzvendra Chahal opens up on T20 World Cup axing

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was dropped from the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 and instead, another young leggie Rahul Chahar was given the nod. India faced an early exit in the tournament as they crashed out in the Super12 stages after losses to Pakistan and New Zealand, and Chahal was immensely missed in the tournament. The 31-year-old had a tough one year in international cricket until the T20 World Cup and it in a way accounted for the selector’s decision.

However, with his numbers in the format and going by his experience, Chahal should have been part of the squad. The RCB spinner had a fantastic outing in IPL 2021 second phase in UAE and almost looked to have got his rhythm back until he was axed from the squad. The selectors revealed that Chahar’s pace would be more suitable in the UAE wicket and it had triggered to go with the youngster compared with Chahal.

Chahal reveals his emotions on not seeing his name in the squad

Chahal noted that he was shocked to see his name missing from the T20 World Cup 2021 squad and was silent for a few minutes. He added that he could not have his dinner after facing his first axing since he came into the side and aspires to become the first bowler to pick up 200 wickets in IPL. He has so far picked up 139 wickets in IPL and will be up for grabs in the mega auction after RCB failed to retain him.

“The team was supposed to be announced at 9:30 and then it got delayed by a bit. I swear I did not know that my name wouldn’t come. When the list came, I did not say anything to anyone for a few minutes.”

“My wife was asking me about the announcement and I sent her the screenshot. The dinner had arrived, but didn’t feel like eating anything that night. Felt very low as I wasn’t dropped even once for five years,” Chahal told on RCB Podcast

“My goal is to become the first bowler to take 200 wickets in IPL. Moreover, I also want to continue playing for team India for the next 5-6 years.” he added

Chahal earned a recall into the side in the New Zealand series but was not much effective in the tour of South Africa. He is currently part of the upcoming limited-overs series against West Indies and his partner Kuldeep Yadav has also earned a recall.