Undoubtedly, Yuzvendra Chahal is an IPL icon. In the current season, he has played a pivotal role in Rajasthan Royals’ success. After winning the inaugural edition in 2008, the Royals are sitting comfortably at the top of the table with seven wins in eight matches and are almost assured a berth in the playoffs.
However, despite Chahal’s contributions, India may have superior options in Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Chahal’s last T20I appearance for India was in August 2023 against the West Indies, where he had unimpressive figures of 0/51. Nonetheless, his remarkable performance in the 2024 IPL has sparked debates about his potential inclusion in the Indian squad for the World T20 in June.
In the Royals’ match against Mumbai Indians, Chahal became the first bowler in IPL history to take 200 wickets. He has claimed 13 wickets in eight matches so far. While he was exceptional at the start of the season, taking wickets and being economical, his recent performances against Kolkata Knight Riders (1/54) and Mumbai Indians (1/48) have been less impressive.
Chahal’s primary competition for a place in the squad is Kuldeep Yadav. Yadav’s advantage lies in his recent consistent performances for India across formats. He has helped India secure victories and has taken 10 wickets in five IPL games at an economy rate of 7.70, compared to Chahal’s 8.83. Additionally, Chahal’s absence from the Indian team for some time has weakened his case.
The other contenders are Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, both of whom offer more versatility as all-rounders. They are also capable spinners, with Patel taking six wickets in eight games at an economy rate of 6.82 and Jadeja taking four wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 7.84. Moreover, they are exceptional fielders.
Chahal’s limitations lie in his one-dimensional style. He lacks the batting and fielding abilities that Kuldeep, Jadeja, and Patel possess. Even Kuldeep has improved in these areas, making him a more valuable asset in crucial situations.
While Chahal has been impressive in the IPL, his economy rate of 8.19 in 80 T20 internationals is a concern. Kuldeep, on the other hand, has an economy rate of 6.74 in 35 games. Therefore, despite being an IPL behemoth, Chahal’s selection for the T20 World Cup squad remains uncertain. The selection committee may prioritize players who offer greater versatility and consistency.
