‘Happy to wear India jersey everyday’: Yuzvendra Chahal dismisses talks of getting few chances in ODIs | Cricket News

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is fully aware of the reasons behind Kuldeep Yadav‘s selection ahead of him in the ODI format, and he is not overly concerned about his place in the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.

During the three ODIs against the West Indies, the 33-year-old Chahal was not included in the playing eleven. However, in his first appearance since the IPL, he showcased his talent in the first T20I by taking two wickets in his opening over.

Despite his efforts, India suffered a narrow defeat, losing the match by four runs.
“Team combination is our priority and it is not something new. At (number) 7, we generally play Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel. Three spinners can only play if the wickets are spin-friendly,” said Chahal ahead of the second T20.

“Kuldeep is bowling really well. He is in a great rhythm and that’s why team is backing him. I keep working on nets so that whenever I get the chance, I will grab it,” the leg-spinner added.
With the upcoming home ODI World Cup this October-November, the team’s primary focus is on ODIs. (But) Despite not getting a chance to play since January, Yuzvendra Chahal remains content as long as he is a valuable part of the squad.
“We are professional cricketers. I was playing after two months; last I played was in the IPL. It is all about the preparation. This is not an individual sport; you are playing here for your team. There are times when players have to sit out for two series, so it doesn’t mean that they are not part of the team,” said Chahal, who is also a former state-level chess player.

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Chahal said that instead of thinking about missed chances, he considers himself lucky to be wearing the India jersey.
“I am very happy that I am getting to wear the blue jersey everyday. I am not sitting at home. I am travelling with the team. I am part of the team…Out of fifteen people in the squad only eleven can play,” he added.
On his battles with the big-hitting West Indian Nicholas Pooran, Chahal says he enjoys his battles with him.
“I love my battles against Nicholas Pooran. I have got him out a few times and on some other occasions he has hit me for sixes. I try to not give him freebies or (because) I know he will hit me out of the park.”

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Since making his debut under MS Dhoni in 2016, Yuzvendra Chahal has experienced playing under multiple captains. However, he believes that his equation with whoever is leading the team remains relatively unchanged.
“It’s like a family where you have four brothers. Mahi bhai was the eldest, then came Virat (Kohli) bhaiya, then Rohit (Sharma) bhaiya and now Hardik (Pandya). Equations remains the same. At the ground, we all want to win. They (seniors) gave us freedom as a bowler and Hardik also gives that space to the bowlers,” he said.
“I am here. I want to perform here. I think series to series. What is in the future is not in my hands.”
(With agency inputs)