Deepak Chahar, the 31-year-old Indian medium-pacer, has been added to the T20I squad for the remaining matches of the five-match T20I series against Australia. Chahar, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, has been a key player for India in the past but has been plagued by injuries in recent times.
Deepak Chahar last played for India in a T20I match on October 4, 2022, against South Africa. His last ODI appearance came on December 7, 2022, against Bangladesh.
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Chahar’s return to the team has been made possible due to the unavailability of pacer Mukesh Kumar for the third T20I. Kumar, who was part of the playing XI in the first two T20Is against Australia, was granted leave by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of the third T20I for his wedding.
With Mukesh Kumar unavailable, Deepak Chahar was added to the squad as a replacement. While Kumar is expected to rejoin the team for the fourth T20I, Chahar will remain part of the squad for the remainder of the series.
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“Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted leave for the duration of his wedding festivities,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Update: Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted leave for the duration of his wedding festivities.
He will join the squad ahead of the…
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 28, 2023
“He will join the squad ahead of the 4th T20I in Raipur. Pacer Deepak Chahar has been added to India’s squad for the remainder of the series,” the statement added.
Chahar’s inclusion in the squad is a welcome boost for India, who are currently trailing 2-0 in the series. Chahar’s experience and skill will be valuable as India look to level the series and force a decider.
