Veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal hasn't given up on his dream to make Test debut for India. He has 115 wickets from 39 first-class games which aren’t much considering the statistics of bowlers in India’s domestic cricket. However, after his stint with Northamptonshire in County Championship Division Two, Chahal feels that he aimed to show how good he is with the red ball on England soil.
"County cricket is tough cricket. It gave me an opportunity to showcase my skills against a very good standard of cricket. With India touring England next year, I wanted to show how good I am," Chahal told TOI.
The 34-year-old played four games for Northants and bagged 19 wickets including two five-wicket hauls. He is Northants' fourth-highest wicket-taker in the season. Earlier, he bagged a five-wicket haul against Kent after snub from ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Chahal also picked Surrey youngster Krish Patel as someone who has a bright future. He wants to help him rise through the ranks and play international cricket for England.
"Firstly, I am very grateful to Brindon sir who gave me an opportunity to play in County cricket, and then the Rajasthan Royal's coaches introduced me to Krish Patel, a highly-educated 18-year old cricketer who is thought to have a very bright future in the game. I want to see him play internationally and if I can help, I am always there," the leg-spinner added.
Chahal unlikely to realise his dream
With Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the mix, Chahal is unlikely to make his Test debut. India are set to tour England next year for five Tests and even having four spinners in the squad seems unlikely. Often, India have preferred to keep either Ashwin or Jadeja as their only spin option in pace-friendly conditions.
Chahal’s absence from international stage
Meanwhile, Chahal seems to be out-of-favour with selectors. He was picked in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad but did not play a single game. The last time he played for India in T20Is was in August 2023 against West Indies. He conceded 51 runs from four overs and was dropped from the side.
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