Cricket

T20 World Cup 2021: Only India can explain why they did not select Chahal and benched Ashwin – Salman Butt

Former Pakistan opener Salman Butt is surprised to note why the Indian selectors didn’t pick Yuzvendra Chahal in the team’s T20 World Cup squad.

Chahal was in great form in IPL 2021 for Royal Challengers Bangalore as he scalped 18 wickets in 15 matches and bowled with an impressive economy rate of 7.05.

On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin has been selected in India’s World Cup squad but he didn’t play in the opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan, which the team went on to lose by a big margin of 10 wickets. In fact, Ashwin was not at his best during the IPL 2021 as he scalped only seven wickets in 13 matches for Delhi Capitals.

Furthermore, Ashwin didn’t even get a play a single Test match against England, which was a bit surprising.

“India has a good pool of players but in conditions like Dubai, you ought to have people who can bowl 140+,” Salman Butt said on his YouTube channel. “You need to have 2-3 options. Medium pacers are not successful here. You need to have perfect spinners or pacers who can clock 140+ consistently unless they are all-rounders. India has quick bowlers but they didn’t select them. And it is not just 140 kmph, it should be quicker as well.”

Butt feels India doesn’t have a quality bowling line-up for the T20 World Cup as they haven’t made the ideal selection.

“Australia has three solid pacers. Afghanistan has three excellent spinners. India has Ashwin and Jadeja. Only India can explain why they did not select Chahal and why they benched Ashwin.”

The former Pakistan captain feels the in-form Shardul Thakur should play in place of Hardik Pandya if the latter is unfit. However, according to the latest reports, Pandya has passed the fitness test and also bowled a couple of overs in the practice session.

“If they are unfit, then India should go with Shardul Thakur. Shardul Thakur has a habit of taking wickets at regular intervals. He also has the capacity to score runs. He batted brilliantly in England. So I think he can play. Chahar, if he is in the squad, is also a good option. He was in the CSK team. I think he is good enough to bowl. These two players can bat well also.”

India will take on New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024