At the moment, I see Rahul Chahar ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal for T20 World Cup: Deep Dasgupta

India’s former wicket-keeper batsman Deep Dasgupta believes leg-spinner Rahul Chahar is ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal for the T20 World Cup selection. Chahal has been in poor form in the recent past and has definitely lost out on confidence. The leg-spinner from Haryana has been on the expensive side and has failed to provide the crucial breakthroughs for the team.

Furthermore, Chahal could only scalp four wickets in seven matches of IPL 2021 while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore. On the other hand, Rahul Chahar has impressed with his variations and has done a decent job for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Chahar snared 11 wickets in seven matches of first phase of IPL 2021 and bowled with an impressive average of 18.36 and economy rate of 7.21.

Thus, it will be an interesting battle between Chahal and Chahar for a spot in the T20 World Cup. Both the leg-spinners will be in action in the upcoming limited overs series against Sri Lanka and the one who will grab his chances, will have a better chance of playing in the T20 World Cup.

Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube Channel, “At the moment, it looks unlikely. To be very honest, I see Rahul Chahar ahead of Yuzi (Yuzvendra Chahal). A lot will depend on the Sri Lanka series and obviously on the IPL as well. As for Kuldeep, he has not been the preferred bowler for more than a year and a half. So, it looks unlikely to me as of now. I don’t know what will happen in six months”.

On the other hand, the current commentator believes both Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan should get their opportunities on the upcoming Sri Lanka tour.

“I think both of them have earned their stripes, they should share the games in the series. Both of them have an opportunity for the World Cup, so yeah, if they are six matches, both should play [some of them] as wicketkeeper-batsman.”

The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on 18th July.