Former NZ skipper Daniel Vettori mentioned that Yuzvendra Chahal was unfortunate to not find a place in the playing XI in the game against New Zealand, which the Men in Blue won courtesy of a commanding all-round performance.
Vettori mentioned that Chahal should’ve played ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin, whose participation in next year’s T20 World Cup may not be a guarantee. He also hailed his performances in the Indian Premier League, calling him one of the best leg-spinner in the world.
He also noted that Venkatesh Iyer getting an opportunity for playing well, should’ve reflected in the management giving an opportunity to Chahal as well.
“Venkatesh Iyer, who is being rewarded for his form in the IPL. It’s sad to see Chahal not being given the same opportunity. We all know what Ashwin can do, is he going to be in the starting XI for the World Cup next year, who knows?
But Chahal was bowling exceptionally well and was a wicket-taking option for Kohli throughout the IPL,”
the former RCB captain said.
He was also impressed with Chahal’s approach in IPL, with an intent to attack and take wickets. He finished with 18 wickets in 15 games at an average of 20.78.
”Chahal bowled quicker in the IPL, trying to spin more, and attacked the stumps more often. So, I thought he deserved the opportunity to come back into the starting XI tonight after being left out earlier,”
Vettori added.
Chahal’s absence in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was criticized immensely by public. Vettori stated that it was perhaps understandable why he wasn’t picked, as his performance in the Indian leg of the IPL wasn’t on par. India ended up not qualifying to the semifinals of the tournament, having lost two crucial games to Pakistan and New Zealand.
Vettori was a big part of the IPL during his time with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and he drove them to the final in 2011. It was from him that Virat Kohli took over reigns as captain of the franchise, and he also continued with the franchise as their coach for four seasons with the Bangalore-based club.
