Is Chahar vs Chahal Comparison Justified?

The announcement of the Indian squad for the T20 world cup left everyone with surprise, not because selectors included Rahul Chahar, but they excluded Yuzvendra Chahal from it. The debate regarding which of the two is deserving was inevitable. 

Going by the form till 8th September - the date the Indian squad was announced - this decision seemed perfect. Chahar had taken 11 wickets in the first leg of IPL 2021 in India while averaging 18.36, while his counterpart Chahal had only picked four wickets at an average of 47.50.

The experienced Indian leg spinner clearly looked out of sorts even before the IPL began. Chahal played three T20Is against England in March where he picked three wickets at an average of 39.66; his economy was 9.91. 

In Sri Lanka as well, the 22-year-old looked more confident than the 31-year-old. 

Things have turned upside down as soon as the 2nd leg of IPL 2021 began in UAE. The Mumbai Indians bowler hasn't found the rhythm - two wickets in four matches, average 58 - while experienced Chahal has found his golden touch - seven wickets in four matches, average 11.14. 

The impact both spinners have on their respective teams can be clearly seen - RCB is on the verge of qualification for playoffs while MI is struggling. Bangalore has won two matches while Mumbai has only one win in UAE. 

In hindsight, it can be said that selectors were wrong in selecting Rahul Chahar, however, going by the numbers before the team selection, the 22-year-old looked good enough to be in the squad. Chahal's case is similar as well. 

Will the selectors change their decision? It is up to them but as Gautam Gambhir said the other night on commentary, "If a player is given a place in World Cup squad, it's our duty to morally support him instead of him comparing them with other players and lowering their confidence."