Yuzvendra Chahal in action during a cricket match
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has become a vital cog in India's limited-overs set up in a short time, has set his sights on tough England series after an impressive outing in Ireland. The 27-year-old spinner from Haryana claimed six wickets in India's 2-0 clean sweep in Ireland recently.
Chahal, who has played 23 ODIs and as many T20Is for India, has been much confident facing England as he claimed a six-wicket haul to guide his team to a series triumph in Bengaluru last year.
Recalling the match-winning six-for, the wrist spinner said he will look to repeat his heroics in London when his team takes on England in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Old Trafford, Manchester, on Tuesday.
"It was a memorable spell for me. I still recall it and watch the videos. It is not easy to take wickets in T20Is. I am not nervous. I am excited. I have already played... I mean outplayed them in the past," Chahal said as quoted by NDTV.
Chahal has played England just once in a three-match series in February last year, however, his performance in the maiden face-off earned him the man-of-the-series award in India's 2-1 series win.
This time, when India tour England for a lengthy series, comprising three T20Is, as many ODIs and five Test matches, Chahal claims that he has prepared well for the tough challenge.
"I have really worked hard for England series. I have played against them in the home series. Overseas will be a different thing altogether but I am ready. I want to perform that way (on Bengaluru performance).
"Bengaluru is still in my mind. I will try to repeat what I did in Bengaluru. I have invented a couple of variations. I will use them against them. I have two deliveries in my arsenal. Kohli knows about it," Chahal added.
Following the limited-over series, Chahal might get a chance to make a Test debut as captain Virat Kohli will look to test his team's bench strength in a long five-match Test series.
Chahal said he is ready to play the longest format but his inclusion in the Test team totally depends on the selectors.
"By God's grace, I am performing well in ODIs and T20Is. I am ready to play any format of the game. If I will get the opportunity to play red ball cricket, I will grab it with both hands. I am ready. It totally depends on selectors. If they think I am capable enough, they will surely give me a chance. My job is to work hard and focus on my game and I am doing that," Chahal concluded.
