Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar recently opened up on India’s 15-member squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup. He talked about spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from the squad.
Shoaib Akhtar comments on the decision to snub Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal has been one of the mainstays of the team in the lead-up to the World Cup. Chahal has had good record in ODIs since 2021 averaging just over 26 with the ball with 29 wickets from 18 matches. However, in a shocking turn of events, he was not picked up in the squad for the high-profile tournament.
Akhtar commented on Chahal’s exclusion and lambasted India’s strategy of extending their batting through all-rounders highlighting the importance of a varied bowling attack.
“How they have not selected Chahal is beyond me. But the problem with the Indian team is that when they get out for 150 or 200, it’s not the batsmen but the bowlers who will have to perform. How long will you stretch your batting line-up? If the first five batsmen couldn’t do anything, then what will the No. 7 or No. 8 do? So, I literally believe that you’re playing with one bowler less,” said at a press conference organized by Star Sports.
Akhtar further stated that India should’ve selected left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh as well to further add variety to their bowling.
“And again, I think Arshdeep needed to be in the squad because under pressure, when you are playing against someone like Pakistan, then you need that left-handed seamer,” he added.
India will play five-time winners Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8 in their opening clash.
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