Yuzvendra Chahal to compete with Ravichandran Ashwin for a spot in Test XI

05/08/2018

Yuzvendra Chahal, who has enjoyed Virat Kohli's support in the shorter format, is now being considered for the Test matches and is giving Ravichandran Ashwin stiff competition for a spot in the Test side. Chahal might get to make his debut in the Tests in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.

With Yuzvendra Chahal coming into the mix of things, getting into the Test team might become tricky for Ravichandran Ashwin. The leg-spinner has already somewhat taken Ashwin's place in the limited over format and now is being considered for a spot in the Test XI as well.

According to reports from TOI, Virat Kohli has been favoring the inclusion of Chahal in the Test for quite some time now. It also mentioned that Chahal could be giving Ashwin a run for his money for a spot in the Test XI. Sources close to the team management also said that Kohli had actually told Chahal to be ready for the upcoming Test match against Afghanistan in June.

Ashwin, who has held the bowling lineup together for India in Tests for over 2 years now, has shown keen interest to play the Test match against Afghanistan in Bangalore.

“Virat has given Chahal enough feelers. But now that Virat has himself backed out of the Test, it could be interesting if the selectors stick with Chahal,” said a source close to the development.

Kohli has shown his inclination for the wrist spinners in the limited overs format. But dropping Ashwin from the squad would be something not easy, given his miraculous performance for India in Tests.

“Ashwin may well travel to England for Tests but he will face stiff competition from Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. There is also talks of resting Ashwin against Afghanistan so that the wrist spinners get a feel of Test cricket,” added a course close to the Indian team management.

TOI had earlier reported that Chahal and Jasprit Bumrah were asked to miss their Ranji Trophy matches to train at the National Cricket Academy. Kohli wanted inclusion of both the bowlers in the Tests against South Africa, but could only get Bumrah in the team.

“Kohli is batting strongly for Chahal and Bumrah. He wanted both for Test matches in South Africa despite both having very little experience of bowling with the red ball. But he was granted just Bumrah,” the source said.

Kohli has given preference to Chahal over Kuldeep Yadav in the limited overs format. He has opted to go with Chahal, whenever he wanted single spinner in the team.

“Chahal is quicker through the air and is more accurate. He has been asked to concentrate on his leg-breaks. That’s why you see him bowling more share turning leg-breaks this IPL. Bangalore could have been the ideal ground for Chahal to make his debut,” the source informed.

Yuzvendra Chahal to compete with Ravichandran Ashwin for a spot in Test XI

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