The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made a significant announcement on Thursday, revealing the squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa across T20I, ODI, and Test formats. The selection brought forth a mix of familiar faces, strategic rests for key players, and the return of highly-skilled cricketers.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s comeback steals the spotlight
A notable inclusion in the ODI squad was the comeback of Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner who has been absent from major tournaments, including the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup. Chahal’s return is seen as a significant move by the selectors, aiming to bolster the team’s spin department.
A journey of persistence
Chahal’s re-entry into the national squad speaks volumes about his resilience. Despite being overlooked for the ongoing T20I series against Australia, the leg-spinner showcased his skills in domestic competitions. His remarkable performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he secured a six-wicket haul against Uttarakhand, served as a compelling statement.
Also READ: BCCI announces Team India squad for the multi-format tour of South Africa; KL Rahul to lead in ODIs, Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is
Following the squad announcement, Chahal took to social media to express his reaction. His simple yet powerful message on X (formerly Twitter) – “Here we go AGAIN!” – also conveyed his eagerness and determination to seize this opportunity.
Here we go AGAIN! 🇮🇳💙 pic.twitter.com/x4l3Yk91Ee
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) November 30, 2023
The three-match ODI series is slated to unfold from December 17 to 21, featuring contests in Johannesburg, Gqeberha, and Paarl. Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating Chahal’s resurgence on the international stage, adding an extra layer of excitement to the South Africa tour. Notably, Chahal has so far played 72 ODIs for Team India, in which he has taken 121 wickets at an impressive average of 27.13 with 6/42 being his best.
