Asia Cup 2023: Yuzvendra Chahal’s drop from India squad disappointing, says AB de Villiers

Former South African skipper AB de Villiers feels Yuzvendra Chahal’s drop from India’s Asia Cup squad is disappointing. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that Chahal was dropped as they wanted depth in their batting order. However, Sharma also revealed that doors have not closed for Chahal for the World Cup selection.

Chahal could not find his place in the 17-man squad as Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel were included ahead of him in the continental tournament.

Meanwhile, Chahal’s current form isn’t the best and it also played a role in his exclusion. Chahal also could not get a game in the recent three-match ODI series against the West Indies. The leg-spinner from Haryana has scalped 121 wickets in 72 ODI matches at an average of 27.13 and an economy rate of 5.27.

In fact, de Villiers had observed Chahal from close quarters while playing with him for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and knows what he brings to the table.

“Chahal has been dropped, selectors making their intentions clear who they will be picking. It’s a bit of a disappointing drop for me, Yuzi is always very handy and it’s great to have the leg-spinning option in your team. We know how skillful he is,” said De Villiers on his YouTube Channel.

After Chahal was dropped from the Asia Cup squad, it is highly likely that he could be left out of the World Cup squad. Chahal has all the experience under his belt and he is known for his guile with the ball but the team management and selectors have other plans.

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on September 2.

Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (backup)