'My Motto In Life Is...': Yuzvendra Chahal On Losing World Cup Spot To Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin

For the first time, Yuzvendra Chahal, who is undoubtedly a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket for India, publicly spoke about his omission from India's ODI World Cup squad for the 2023 edition.

India in ODI World Cup 2023: Team India's star leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal's omission from the Indian squad for the Asia Cup and the subsequent ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 selection has been a hot topic of discussion in the cricketing world. Like many fans and cricket pundits, veteran cricketer Harbhajan Singh had expressed surprise at Chahal's exclusion from the Asia Cup squad but believed he would make a comeback for the World Cup. However, despite a late opening (Axar Patel's last minute injury) in the squad, Chahal was once again left out.

For the first time, Yuzvendra Chahal, who is undoubtedly a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket for the Men in Blue, publicly spoke about his omission from India's ODI World Cup squad for the 2023 edition. Speaking to Wisden India, Chahal said that it was sheer disappointment at missing out on the World Cup squad.

"I understand that only fifteen players can be a part, because it’s a World Cup, where you can’t take 17 or 18," Chahal said. "I do feel a little bad, but my motto in life is to move on. I’m used to it now… it’s been three World Cups (laughs)."

Yuzvendra Chahal established himself as one of India's key players in ODI format ever since making his debut in June 2016. So far in his ODI career, Chahal has played 72 matches, taking 121 wickets during this period. With two remarkable five-wicket hauls, Chahal presently is the third-highest Indian wicket-taker in ODIs and the second-highest among spinners. One of highlights of Chahal's career in ODIs is him being one of the leading wicket-takers among spinners in the 2019 World Cup edition.

Yuzvendra Chahal opens up on losing the World Cup spot to Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin.

"I don’t think too much in that sense [on competing with other spinners in the team] because I know if I perform well, I’ll play,” Chahal said. “Someone or the other will eventually replace you in the future. That time will come someday."

"I take up the challenge in this way: definitely, they are doing well and I appreciate that. The main goal is that India should win, because this is not an individual game."

"If I am part of the team or not, they are like my brothers. Obviously, I support India [team]. I like the challenge: it tells me I need to work hard so that I come back."