Exclusive | T20 World Cup 2024: 'Yuzvendra Chahal's experience key, Hardik Pandya can only come in as all-rounder' - Former India Star Venkatapathy Raju

In an exclusive chat with myKhel, former India spinner Venkatapathy Raju says Yuzvendra Chahal can be in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, while Hardik Pandya needs to bowl for selection warranty.

The T20 World Cup 2024 is set to take place in June in the West Indies and USA. With the tournament en route, the squad combination is already in the mind of the selectors and the name of Chahal is popping up as the IPL 2024 progresses.

Yuzvendra Chahal has been out of the Indian side for a long time. The leg-spinner has got sporadic chances in the playing eleven. He played his last ODI in January 2023, while his final T20I appearance came in August last year.

But Chahal is having an outstanding season of IPL 2024. The leg-spinner has already picked up 12 wickets in 7 matches this season and is on top of the Purple Cap race. The 33-year-old has showcased his brilliance with the ball and is among the frontrunners to make it to the T20 World Cup squad.

Chahal can be picked for T20 World Cup: Raju

Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav are also in the race with Chahal, but former India player Venkatapathi Raju says Chahal's inclusion is likely.

"Yeah, that's what everyone is saying right? (that Chahal should be in the India squad) Chahal is on top of the Purple Cap list and is bowling well. You can pick Chahal because the wickets are going to be similar. Yes. So, in the end, it is like giving runs but picking up wickets. The selectors will have to take a bold call," Venkatapathy Raju tells MyKhel.

"In international cricket, you have to handle the pressure. In IPL, there's a chance of coming back anytime. But it's not the same in the World Cup. You need a little experience. Experience always helps. And then you need people who have been playing for a couple of years, domestic, international or IPL cricket. So Chahal can be helpful there," he adds.

Rajasthan Royals' star spinner Chahal's inclusion can be a bold move as the 33-year-old has been out of the reckoning for a long time.

Hardik Pandya can only come in as an All-Rounder: Raju

Hardik Pandya has been a subject of speculation yet again. The Mumbai Indians captain hasn't been having a good time and recent reports have revealed that Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma have decided that Pandya will have to bowl to cement his place in the T20 World Cup squad. Raju concurs with that and says Hardik must show his bowling ability to warrant selection.

"India don't have many all-rounders. If you go like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and others, there is hardly any fast bowling all-rounder in the team. If selectors feel that Hardik has to fit in as an all-rounder, he has to do it," Raju opines.

"You don't have to bowl all four at present. Hardik has been picked as an all-rounder before. India need an all-rounder who can finish off the games with bat and ball and when it comes to selection, Hardik should be seen as an all-rounder," the former India player concludes.