"Karun Nair has also made a comeback after 7 years" - Star bowler's blunt take on playing for India again amid ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal opened up on his potential comeback to the national team. The Indian team is currently in England for a five-Test series, with the fifth and final Test currently being played at The Oval.

Chahal last played an international fixture in 2023. Notably, he was part of the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, but didn't get a chance to feature in any of the games.

However, he is hopeful of staging a comeback, and sees Karun Nair's example as a guiding light. Nair, part of the ongoing England series, returned to the Test fold after eight years.

Chahal also admitted that his return depended on what the team management thought.

"If I think and just sit that my name did not come for the World Cup, what do I do, my life is done, there is nothing like that. Karun Nair has also made a comeback after seven years. He has worked hard and come back. He knows he will play again. I also have the hope. If they feel I fit into their plans, I will be back. If not, then they will go with what they think is best. It is not in my hands," he said on Raj Shamani's podcast. (5:38)

The star bowler also opened up on his mindset, stating that the team came first. He added:

"I think when I am in the team, my focus is on whatever I get. You cannot play all 15 players. There is a combination they start with and if that is doing well, then no one wants to change. And if the team is winning, what else do you need? When you play, you want the team to win. That is my first priority." (3:23)

While he did initially feel bad about being left out, he stressed there was no point in thinking about what he cannot control.

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Yuzvendra Chahal on life beyond cricket after India snub

Yuzvendra Chahal further revealed that his India snub made him think of life beyond cricket. He asserted that it was important to enjoy one's time away from the field.

He also played down rumors of a relationship.

"I realized that there is a life beyond cricket as well and it is important to enjoy that. I don't care about anything but if I am linked up with someone for no reason, there is nothing. Tomorrow if am roaming with my sister and no one has seen her, I will be linked up with her also. That is their work. I don't care but I don't want the person with me to be affected," he said. (7:05)

Chahal has featured in 72 ODIs and 80 T20Is for India so far. The wrist-spinner has bagged 121 and 96 wickets across both formats, respectively. He is currently playing the County Championship for Northamptonshire.