Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is set to participate in three four-day matches for the County side Kent in the near future. Chahal was not selected in Team India’s squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, with the selectors opting for Kuldeep Yadav as the sole frontline spinner, supported by all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
Chahal has limited experience in red-ball cricket, having never played a Test match for India and only 33 first-class appearances in his career. He has taken 87 wickets at an average of 35.25, with his most recent appearance being for Haryana in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy.
According to a report by the Times of India, an official announcement by Kent County Cricket Club regarding Chahal’s participation is expected soon, as the player has already received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A source within the governing body stated, “The Kent County Cricket Club will make an official announcement regarding this development soon. Chahal will play three four-day games for them. The BCCI has granted NOC to him to play County cricket. Should he be required for the India team, Chahal will join the national squad immediately.”
Several Indian players have opted to play in England during the off-season to maintain their rhythm. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh represented Kent last year, while players like Sai Sudarshan, Jayant Yadav, and Umesh Yadav are also scheduled to participate in the County Championship.
Chahal, who was India’s premier spinner in white-ball cricket, has faced a decline in his international career recently, losing his place in both the T20 World Cup 2022 and the ODI setup. He has only played two ODIs in 2023, with the team favoring the spin pairing of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Despite the setbacks, Chahal remains hopeful of making a comeback to the national team.
Chahal said
He expressed, “Naturally, it is very disappointing to miss out on any selection for India. As a cricketer, we must accept that some things don’t always go our way. I must continue to try my best, and hopefully, my performances will justify selection again for India.”
Chahal also highlighted his desire to play County cricket, emphasizing the value of the experience, inspired by Rahul Dravid’s positive experiences in England. He expressed gratitude to a friend who facilitated this opportunity.
Yuzvendra Chahal, known for his impressive white-ball performances, including a standout campaign in the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, will aim to use this opportunity in County cricket to regain form and force his way back into the Indian national team.
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