Virat Kohli explains the reason behind exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal

Team India’s recent decision as far as the selections are concerned has been really baffling. For the second T20I series in a row, the selectors have not considered star spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The decision is really surprising considering the fact that the T20 World Cup is just one year away and these two are likely to lead the attack. But instead of giving the two the maximum opportunities, the team is busy trying out the likes of Washington Sundar, Rahul Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja and Krunal Pandya.

All the four spinners were part of the squad for the tour of West Indies and have been retained for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. Skipper Virat Kohli has now revealed the reason behind the latest experiment. Kohli said that the duo’s weakness with the bat prompted the team management to try out some other options. He also said that the team wanted to give chance to those who have done well in domestic circuit and IPL.

“That was one of the reasons also to give opportunities to the guys who have done well in the domestic format and the T20 format and in the IPL also. So I think it’s about finding the best balance that we can as a side and not necessarily stick to one kind of combination. If all teams across the world are batting till No. 9, 10, why can’t we,” Kohli said on the eve of the first T20I against the Proteas.

He further defended the team management’s decision. The skipper reminded everyone of the treatment dished out to the team after it picked Chahal and Kuldeep ahead of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

“So, you need to take those calls at one stage. Bringing those guys (Chahal and Kuldeep) at one stage was also not taken well by people. Look, whatever decisions are made, are to make sure that the team has the best and strongest balance that we can have approaching the T20 World Cup that we have next year,” said the 30-year old.

On preparation for the T20 World Cup:

Virat Kohli further spoke on the team’s approach for next year’s World Cup in Australia. India will be desperate to lay their hands on the trophy and end the long wait for a global tournament. The Men in Blue have not won a global tournament since the Champions Trophy in 2013.

“As far as the road map is concerned, whenever there is a world tournament coming up, it is like a milestone and you start preparing from backwards (back-calculate matches). I think every team will go through same process before T20 World Cup,” said Kohli.