A couple of Indian players are struggling with their fitness and the fast bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar is one of them. The bowler has been out from the team for months but now all ready to get in action from the upcoming IPL 2023.
Deepak Chahar, who has recovered from a Grade 3 quad injury and has declared himself fit for the upcoming IPL season, aspires to be like the celebrated Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya. He feels that if he can further strengthen his batting, he can perform similarly for the national team.
Chahar is more than a useful batsman down the order and has two half-centuries to his record in his 13 ODI games so far. He is one of those key members of team India as well as for the Chennai Super Kings who can change the fortune of the game with his bat and ball.
While talking to Sports Tak, Chahar said,”Process is simple. When I wasn’t playing for India, even then I used to follow this process and it hasn’t changed even now. When I was struggling in my state team and used to say to my teammates that one day I’ll play for India, they would laugh at me. I believed back then as well that if I can bowl around 140 kph, swing the ball both ways, I will not have any trouble getting batters out. And if I can bat a bit, I will always have a place in the Indian team – now and even 10-15 years later.”
The 30-year-old admitted that it is challenging to stand out in a star-studded lineup, but if he can make an impact in all three areas of the game, he will be a team-guaranteed star like Hardik Pandya. With the 50-over World Cup approaching the hosts will look to have some powerful fast bowling all-rounders.
The CSK bowler said,”Competition is tough so you obviously will have to distinguish yourself from the rest. Batting is a plus for me since I’ve been doing it since I was a child. I am always on it. Last year I got opportunities so I was able to score runs. If I get a chance to make matches and win matches, I will try my best.”
He further added,”Look at Hardik Pandya – he does all three things; bowl quick, swing and bat; no one can take his place in the Indian team 1 or 2 years from now. He is the No. 1 all-rounder in the world because he can do all three. So it’s not just me; if any player can do that, he will warrant a place in the team.”