Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India leg-spinner, is set to embark on his maiden County Cricket journey with Kent, following in the footsteps of teammates like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. His omission from the 15-man India squad for the World Cup was a significant setback to his international career.
The BCCI has granted Chahal a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play County cricket, and Kent County Cricket Club is expected to make an official announcement regarding this soon. Chahal will participate in three four-day games for Kent and will be available to join the Indian national squad if needed.
Chahal’s return to white-ball cricket in 2023 marked the end of his year-long exile from both ODIs and T20Is. However, his performances did not meet the expectations required to secure a permanent spot in the Indian XI. During a recent tour of the West Indies, Chahal struggled to contain the Caribbean batters, which further dampened his prospects.
The final blow to Chahal’s international aspirations came when he was included in only two ODI matches for India in 2023, highlighting the selectors’ reluctance to rely on him. His hopes of a comeback were dashed when India announced their World Cup squad on September 5th, confirming his exclusion. At 33 years old, it appears that Chahal’s international career is at a crossroads, and his County Cricket stint may serve as a platform to revive his fortunes.