'I felt the saddest' - Star India spinner opens up on being snubbed of 2021 T20 World Cup squad

Yuzvendra Chahal, who has established himself as one of the top spinners in the game's shortest format, has opened up about his snub from the 2021 T20 World Cup squad. Despite serving as RCB's key bowler under Virat Kohli, Chahal was not selected in the Indian team, which he now describes as the saddest moment of his life.

It was Kohli's last tournament as India's T20 captain and his side had a disappointing outing, getting knocked out in the group stage. The Men in Blue lost their first match against Pakistan by 10 wickets and their second match against New Zealand by nine wickets, setting the tone for their tough journey. As usual, there were criticisms on the team selection, with Chahal's omission being the talking point.

Notably, the World Cup was held in the UAE and Chahal was in good form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that year. Speaking on YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia's podcast, the leg-spinner said he was disappointed not to be selected in the team but his wife helped him control his emotions.

"When I was not picked up for the 2021 T20 World Cup, I felt the saddest. I had to play IPL in Dubai at that time. She (wife) was with me that time. Best thing was she was with me, so I could control my anger. If she would not have been there, I would have been more frustrated," said Chahal.

"She (Chahal's wife) was with me. We used to exercise together. We watched some chilled out movies. I was feeling strange because Virat was the captain and I was playing under Virat there as well . But I never ask anyone why I was not picked. Have never asked," he added.

It was a difficult and challenging call: Virat Kohli on dropping Chahal 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the tournament had to be shifted from India to the UAE where the World Cup was held. Although Chahal's performance in India was not impressive, he excelled for RCB in the UAE leg. Instead of the veteran spinner, Rahul Chahar was picked for the mega event, and captain Kohli said it was a tough call.

"It was a difficult and challenging call. We decided to back Rahul Chahar for a reason, he is a guy who bowls with pace. Bowled well in Sri Lanka and in England also he was good. The wickets in UAE will be slow and the guys who bowl with some pace, attack with stumps and that is the factor that tipped the balance in favour of Rahul," Kohli had said.