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Irfan Pathan commented on Yuzvendra Chahal’s absence from the national team and recent broadcasting role, sparking career speculation. Chahal will join Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.
Yuzvendra Chahal clebrates after dismissing MS Dhoni (PTI)
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his thoughts on the current situation of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Pathan suggests that Chahal’s absence from the national team and his recent involvement in broadcasting have led many fans to believe he may be nearing the end of his playing career. Despite such speculation, Chahal is preparing to represent Punjab Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
Chahal’s last competitive appearance was during the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in November 2025, where he played for Haryana. India’s limited-overs squad currently has several spin-bowling options, such as Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, making it harder for Chahal to return to the international setup.
The leg-spinner has not featured in India’s plans since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and has not been picked by head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav. His most recent international appearance was during India’s tour of the West Indies in 2023. Recently, Chahal was also seen working as part of the broadcast panel during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Yuzi Not Done Yet!
Pathan believes the lack of opportunities with the national side would naturally weigh on a player of Chahal’s stature, but he also expects the spinner to use the IPL stage to prove his worth once again.
“He is the most successful bowler in IPL history, and he has not got to play for India on a regular basis. So, this thought will always be in his heart, and it should be as well for any player. Yuzi must also be thinking that he was doing commentary with us, and whenever (an active player) does commentary, the fans think that he must be leaving cricket,” Irfan Pathan was quoted as saying on Star Sports.
“Yuzi is fully focused, full ready for this IPL season, and he will look to improve on his performances, and he will step out on the ground to prove a point,” he added.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have already started their pre-season training camp in Dharamsala ahead of IPL 2026. The franchise finished runners-up in the previous season after losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad.
Away from the field, Chahal recently attended the wedding celebrations of his India teammate Kuldeep Yadav and Vanshika Chaddha in Mussoorie, where he was seen participating in the festivities.
Punjab Kings will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with a home fixture against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur on March 31.
March 15, 2026, 18:10 IST
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