Shreevats Goswami, a former India U19 wicketkeeper, has evaluated Yuzvendra Chahal’s career and his absence from India’s Test cricket team. Shreevats Goswami discussed the growth of India’s leg-spinners over the last few decades, comparing some of the best cricket players.
He noted that, whereas Virat Kohli epitomises one level of greatness in the game, Shane Warne’s spin bowling ability embodies another. “If Virat Kohli is the Ronaldo of cricket, Shane Warne was Messi, an absolute magician,” Shreevats Goswami remarked of Chahal’s career path and what could have happened if the leg-spinner had been given opportunities in the longer format. However, Chahal, who has not played any Test matches for India, is always on my thoughts. On the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, Shreevats Goswami said, “He could have been one of the greats if he had played Tests.”
Shreevats Goswami used sporting analogies to demonstrate his theory on cricket excellence.
The fact that he has never played for India in a Test is startling. For a short time, Amit Mishra was fantastic. However, India has not produced any exceptional leg-spinners since Kumble,” he added.
Chahal’s absence from Test cricket
Chahal has never played a Test for India since the national team management prefers Kuldeep Yadav over him in the selection order for the longest format. After making his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in June 2016, the leg-spinner rose to become an essential member of India’s white-ball cricket squad. Despite his limited-overs prowess, he has unable to establish himself in Test cricket.
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Chahal has had significant success in limited-overs cricket throughout his international career. His brilliance in the shortest format was highlighted when he became the first Indian and only the second player in T20 International history to take six wickets. Despite not appearing in any games during the 2024 T20 World Cup, he was a member of India’s winning team. Despite his strong domestic results and the demands of India’s spin-bowling standards, his white-ball credentials remain intact, but the Test door remains closed.
