Indian pace bowler Deepak Chahar is making a determined comeback after his absence from competitive cricket since December 2023. The IPL season presents him with a crucial opportunity to not only redeem himself but also stake claim for a spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad.
Chahar’s break was due to personal reasons, as he prioritized family obligations during his father’s illness. However, he’s using this time to refine his skills and return with renewed strength. “When you’re doing rehab, you lose strength,” he explains. “This is the right time to regain it and hopefully increase my pace.”
Beyond improving his bowling, Chahar is also expanding his batting repertoire. He acknowledges the importance of versatility in today’s T20 cricket, aiming to make the most of limited opportunities at the lower order. This strategy aligns with CSK’s potential batting lineup, where he and Shardul Thakur could bolster the order until No. 9, providing crucial depth.
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Chahar’s journey as a batting all-rounder began when Stephen Fleming spotted his talent at Rising Pune Supergiants. While the Impact Player rule might minimize his batting role, his abilities offer flexibility to the top order, allowing them to play aggressively. Dhoni himself experimented with Chahar at No. 3 in 2018, showcasing his batting potential.
For Deepak Chahar, rehab is a chance to get stronger – with ball and bat https://t.co/dDypx14wQW
— Netamaker (@netamakerIndia) February 8, 2024
Deepak Chahar acknowledges the team’s current batting depth, with Dhoni at No. 8 and himself at No. 9. “This gives a lot of balance to the team,” he says. “It allows the batters before us to play with more freedom.”
Chahar reflected on the importance of his lower-order batting contributions, providing balance to the team. While he acknowledged that his batting hasn’t been frequently needed, the flexibility it offers, with Dhoni himself batting at No. 8, enhances CSK’s overall team dynamics.
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As he gears up for the IPL, Chahar’s focus on strength, pace, and batting skills signals his commitment to making a significant impact in the upcoming season.
