The veteran Indian wicket-keeper batter, Dinesh Karthik has explained why Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel didn’t get to play a single match in the T20 World Cup 2022. He explained that both men were aware of the team management’s decision. India witnessed an exit from the tournament during the semi-final stage after a crushing loss to England, with many saying that the team management missed a trick by not playing Chahal.

Harbhajan Singh was left scratching his head as to why India decided not to have a leg-spinner in the team and said with his credentials, he should be the first-choice spinner in the side.

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During a chat with India Today, Harbhajan Singh said, “I don’t know what are the reasons that a champion bowler (Yuzvendra Chahal) is not in the team. He must have done something to someone that he is not getting a game. With his credentials he should have been your first-choice spinner.”

Dinesh Karthik, during an interaction with Cricbuzz as quoted by the ICC website, said that the players didn’t sulk or get upset as they were told by the team management that they would get to play if the conditions were suitable. The wicketkeeper also said that Chahal and Patel were preparing themselves to be ready if they had gotten an opportunity.

Dinesh Karthik elaborated, “They didn’t sulk or get upset once because they were very sure. At the start of the tournament, they were told that under these conditions, we would be playing you; otherwise, it might be difficult. So, they were very aware and were preparing in such a way that when they get an opportunity, they would try and do their best, but there might be a chance that they ended up not playing.”

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He further added, “So, when that clarity is there from the coach and captain, it makes the job easier for the player because you just start looking inward and thinking, okay what do I do to start preparing better. That is what they were doing, and had they been given a chance, they would have given their best. This is a very high-intensity tournament. As mentioned, he played a lot of matches for India, and he knows the feeling of being dropped.”