Chahal says Rohit told him India wanted more batters for 2023 World Cup
Chahal revealed Rohit Sharma told him India wanted more batters and an extra fast bowler for the 2023 World Cup. The spinner said the clarity helped him move on from selection hopes.
Yuzvendra Chahal said Rohit Sharma told him before the 2023 ODI World Cup that the team wanted batters until number eight and an extra fast bowler. The spinner, who last played an ODI in January 2023, revealed the conversation with the then-captain during a discussion with Aakash Chopra. He added that the clarity helped him stop thinking about selection after the tournament.
Chahal also spoke about other World Cup omissions. He said missing the 2021 squad hurt more than not getting a game in 2022 because he was not in the team at all. He played his last T20I in August 2023 and featured in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad without playing a match.
The 36-year-old retired from first-class cricket after a county stint with Northamptonshire. He remains the highest wicket-taker among Indian bowlers in T20 cricket with 396 wickets in 343 matches.
CricHubb Take
Chahal's account shows the team prioritised batting depth over a proven white-ball spinner, a choice that left India without their most experienced T20 leg-spinner at multiple global events.