There is a dark cloud hanging over India’s leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s future. Chahal’s last appearance in India colors (T20Is) came back in August 2023 whereas he played his last ODI in January in the same year.
With plenty of spinners waiting in the wings, Chahal is in race against time to be make a case for himself. The veteran leg-spinner also didn’t have a great run in IPL 2026 for Punjab Kings, taking 12 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 32.08 and economy rate of 9.39.
However, newly appointed India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule feels Chahal has a lot to offer if he is given another chance to prove his mettle.
“Yuzvendra Chahal has performed really well whenever he has played for the country. However, it is difficult for me to say exactly where he stands regarding a national comeback because of the intense competition, and because the selectors are looking towards the future,” Bahutule said on Doordarshan’s The Great Indian Cricket show.
Bahutule, the former Indian spinner, said it makes more sense to back a specialist spinner ahead of the all-rounder.
“We need a specialist spinner every time we take the field. Relying on an all-rounder can be a half-and-half compromise where you end up giving them maybe two overs rather than their entire quota. But if you have a specialist spinner whom you believe in, he can take full responsibility for bowling those four overs and creating pressure. For me, a specialist spinner is essential,” Bahutule said.
Bahutule also shed light on the Impact Player rule in the IPL, which has been under scrutiny since it was introduced back in IPL 2023.
“The Impact Player rule dilutes the all-rounder category, and at times, even the specialist batter and fast bowler categories. Then again, given the nature of the tournament, the Impact Player rule gives an additional player the chance to play, so why not?” he said.
“It helps a cricketer who might not have played otherwise get an opportunity to express themselves, perform, and stake a claim for a higher level. But from my perspective, a specialist spinner remains crucial.”
Many cricket experts, including Sachin Tendulkar, have asked the BCCI to get rid of the Impact Player rule.
