'Disappointing': AB de Villiers puzzled over the selection call on India star for Asia Cup

Earlier in the week, on Monday, Ajit Agarkar led selection committee named 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2023. The foremost members of the squad have been included in the roster, and the additions of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have only given a stronger outlook to the team. While there are many takeaways from the zero-in of the squad, yet the biggest talking point from the selection has been the eviction of Yuzvendra Chahal from the group.

3 things you need to know

• Asia Cup to begin on August 30, 2023
• Yuzvendra Chahal has been left out of the squad
• KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have been added to the squad

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Yuzvendra Chahal left out of the Asia Cup 2023 squad

As Asia Cup 2023 comes as a major match practice for Team India before the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023, therefore, the team that will most likely fight for the eminent trophy from October 5, 2023, has ostensibly been put together for the continental cup. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who are expected to solidify the middle order will likely be included in the playing XI, if not immediately then at a certain part of the tournament. Moreover, Tilak Varma could also be tested in a major game. There is no furtive about the strength the batting line-up contains, as for bowling a squad regular in the form of Yuzvendra Chahal has been axed.

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AB de Villiers on Chahal's exclusion from Asia Cup squad

The cricket world is divided over the decision to leave Yuzvendra Chahal out. Some have understood the vision of the selectors, who want the batting prowess to deepen, but many do not see the decision as an ideal one. Former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers is in the latter category. De Villiers called the decision to drop Chahal as "disappointing." 

"Chahal has been dropped, selectors making their intentions clear who they will be picking. It's a bit of a disappointing drop for me, Yuzi is always very handy and it's great to have the leg-spinning option in your team. We know how skillful he is," de Villiers said on his official YouTube channel.