Indian pacer Deepak Chahar is gearing up for a significant comeback on the international stage after a challenging period marked by personal reasons and injuries. With an unwavering focus on securing a spot in the national squad for the upcoming T20I World Cup in the Americas, Chahar’s journey reflects not just a return to form but a quest for redemption.
The turbulent phase began towards the close of the previous year when Chahar had to make the difficult decision to miss India’s tour of South Africa and the home series against Afghanistan. The reason behind his absence was deeply personal – his father’s recovery from a brain stroke. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Chahar shed light on the emotional turmoil he faced during this time, emphasizing the paramount importance of family.
“For me, my father comes first. I am here only because of him. Whatever I have achieved is because of my father. If I am not there for him in those situations, then obviously, what kind of son I am?,” Chahar exclaimed, highlighting the straightforward nature of his decision to prioritize family over cricket.
Spending 25 crucial days with his father in the hospital in Aligarh, Chahar navigated a challenging period that required not only emotional strength but also forced adjustments to his fitness routine. Despite being limited to exercises initially, he expressed the difficulty in participating in cricketing activities during that period, leading to his unavailability for the Afghanistan series.
However, Chahar is actively working on regaining his form at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), underscoring his commitment to earning a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Acknowledging the constraints on his fitness training during the tumultuous phase, he affirmed his full fitness and readiness for the upcoming challenges.
“Missed two T20 World Cups because of my injuries” – Deepak Chahar
For Chahar, the opportunity to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup squad holds immense personal significance. Having missed the last two T20 World Cups due to persistent injuries, he sees this as a chance for redemption and a resumption of his role as a vital asset for the team.
“I have missed two (T20) World Cups because of my injuries. If I was fully fit, I would have been a part of the World Cup team as well. In any scenario or (in) any team combination, there is always a requirement for a bowler who can bat at No. 7, 8, 9. I have done that and scored runs for the Indian team,” Chahar stated, emphasizing the dual role he can play as a lower-order batsman and a proficient bowler.
With 25 T20 matches under his belt, Chahar has taken 31 wickets at an average of 24.10, conceding around 8.30 runs per over. His standout performance includes an impressive individual figure of 6 for 7, showcasing his potential impact on the game.
As Chahar navigates through personal challenges, his journey becomes a testament to resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit to reclaim his position in the Indian cricketing landscape. The upcoming T20I World Cup holds the promise of not just redemption but the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream for the talented pace bowler.
Also read: “He treats me like a…”: Deepak Chahar reveals why he always gets scolded by skipper MS Dhoni
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