‘We want batting into No. 8’: Chahal reveals Rohit Sharma’s message ahead of World Cup rejection

Yuzvendra Chahal with Rohit Sharma (AP/PTI) Yuzvendra Chahal was among India’s most successful white-ball toners, but his international career took a turn in 2023 when he was left out of the squad for the home ODI World Cup. Despite his reputation as an attacking leg-spinner and an impressive record in T20Is, Chahal did not appear in a single match at the 2024 T20 World Cup.The 36-year-old, who last played an ODI in January 2023, has now said that he is missing from India’s 15-man squad for the 2023 World Cup. In an interview with former India opener Aakash Chopra, Chahal revealed that then captain Rohit Sharma personally explained the team management’s thinking behind the decision.According to Chahal, India wanted to strengthen their batting depth and retain the ability to play an extra fast bowler, which left little room for him in the team’s plans.“In 2023, when I went to play County, Rohit told me that we want to bat at number eight, so we went for it. He told me clearly that they were also looking for an extra fast bowler for the World Cup. That’s how it became clear to me. After the World Cup, I just stopped thinking about selection,” Chahal said.The leg-spinner last represented India in a T20I in August 2023 but has been selected for the 2024 T20 World Cup after an impressive IPL season. However, he remained sidelined throughout the tournament.Chahal said he approached IPL 2024 without putting himself under any further pressure, instead focusing on enjoying his cricket. His performances caught Rohit’s attention and the former Indian captain hinted that he would like him in the World Cup squad.“I just came to enjoy IPL 2024 and didn’t put extra pressure on myself. I did well that season and Rohit told me he wants me and I’ll see you at the selection meeting,” he added.Chahal made his T20I debut in mid-2016 and took 96 wickets in 78 matches, establishing himself as India’s leading wicket-taker in the format.When asked which omission affected him the most, Chahal said being left out of the team altogether was more difficult to accept than being selected but not winning the match. He explained that being part of the team for the 2022 tournament at least gave him clarity on his role and the circumstances under which he could play.“In 2021, I felt worse because I wasn’t there at all. In 2022, at least I was in the team. Sometimes you also know that the combination might not work. So I didn’t think much. But you always feel that you should have played at least one World Cup match. Rohit told me that I will play only if a certain combination works. So at least I was clear,” he said.Outside of international cricket, Chahal recently completed a stint with Northamptonshire County in August before announcing his retirement from first-class cricket. He finished his first-class career with 148 wickets from 49 matches.However, Chahal continues to be a major presence in the IPL. With 233 wickets in 188 matches at an economy rate of 8.05, he remains the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and the highest wicket-taker among Indian bowlers in T20 cricket, with 396 wickets from 343 matches.