Veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has revealed he is currently sidelined from cricket due to a dual diagnosis of dengue and chikungunya. The update comes as a significant blow, with Chahal expressing his hope for a swift return to the sport. He has been absent from domestic action since late November, focusing entirely on his recovery. Chahal confirmed the diagnosis on Thursday, December 18th, explaining that both viral infections have severely impacted his health. His last competitive match was for Haryana on November 30th, and his illness prevented him from participating in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final. Despite the setback, Chahal conveyed his best wishes to his team for the final, stating his desire to be present on the field. Medical professionals have advised him to prioritize rest, but he remains optimistic about regaining full bowling strength soon. While no return date has been set, Chahal is likely targeting a comeback in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, commencing December 24th. The spinner’s recent form included a stint in English county cricket for Northamptonshire, where he performed well in both red-ball and limited-overs formats, earning praise from head coach Darren Lehmann for his experience and mentoring capabilities. Chahal was retained by Punjab Kings for the upcoming IPL season, highlighting his continued importance in franchise cricket.
