Will Yuzvendra Chahal Feature Again in T20I After Not Featuring in Single Match During T20 World Cup 2024?

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Yuzvendra Chahal rightfully earned his call up to India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad following a splendid Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, but the leg-spinner did not play a single match in the triumphant run in the USA and Caribbean.

With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel being picked as spin bowling all-rounders, and Kuldeep Yadav preferred as the wrist spinner, Chahal's role in the team was reduced to a benchwarmer in the bygone show-piece.

Despite spending time on the sidelines, Chahal was not disheartened with the role in the squad as the senior leg-spinner was seen in good spirits when carrying drinks for his teammates.

Following his non-involvement in the 2024 edition, Chahal, who was the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024 and India's leading T20I wicket-taker, has still not played a single T20 World Cup match in his career.

His chances may have been bleak with three other spinners higher in the pecking order, but his non-selection in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series in Zimbabwe will be a worry for a player, who will turn 34 in under a month.

As he waits for his next call up to the Indian squad, let's take a look at what the future holds for Chahal in T20I and if he could still be in conversation when the next show-piece tournament arrives in 2026.

Will Yuzvendra Chahal feature in T20I again after not featuring in single match during T20 World Cup 2024?

If it's not a voluntary request for rest, his omission from the Zimbabwe tour is worrisome with young Ravi Bishnoi likely to be Team India's leg-spinner for the next few years. Plus, Kuldeep, Axar and Jadeja are also likely to be preferred in big tournaments.

So, if Chahal doesn't make the cut in the upcoming white-ball tour to Sri Lanka, the senior leg-spinner is unlikely to feature in future matches for the Men in Blue. But, another frutiful IPL may seem back in the conversation for a return to the team.

While he may make a comeback in the near future, Chahal may not make it to the next T20 World Cup squad with age against his name. His fitness has never been a concern, but with other spinners adding batting to their game, Chahal may find it tough to play a T20 World Cup match in his career.

Apart from Kuldeep, Axar, Jadeja and Bishnoi, there is also Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy and Rahul Chahar to contend with among other rising talents for a senior pro like Chahal.