Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar, a talented medium-pacer from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, has become an integral part of Indian cricket through his impressive swing bowling. Representing Rajasthan in the domestic circuit, Chahar’s journey began in adversity but has since transformed into a success story, characterized by determination and resilience.

Early Career and Breakthrough in Domestic Cricket

Chahar’s cricket journey started with a rejection by Greg Chappell, the Director of the Rajasthan Cricket Academy, in 2008. This setback fueled his determination, leading to a remarkable entry into the domestic scene. In a stunning display of swing bowling, Chahar captured eight wickets to help Rajasthan dismiss Hyderabad for just 21 runs, the lowest total in domestic cricket history.

Although his career faced challenges due to fitness issues, Chahar’s relentless hard work and dedication paid off. His performance in the 2018 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was a turning point, catching the attention of the Chennai franchise in the Indian Premier League.

IPL Success and Rise to Prominence

Deepak Chahar proved to be a vital asset for Chennai, especially in the Powerplays, becoming a regular wicket-taker under MS Dhoni’s guidance. His impressive performances in the IPL 2018 established him as one of the league’s top bowlers. This success led to his inclusion in the India A squad for a tri-series against West Indies A and England Lions, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker.

International Career and Milestones

Chahar’s consistent domestic performances earned him an international call-up as an injury replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in 2018. He made his T20I debut against England on July 8, 2018. Despite a challenging start, Chahar continued to impress, and his ODI debut followed that September against Afghanistan.

In Bangladesh’s 2019 tour of India, Chahar showcased his prowess by taking a hat-trick in a T20I decider in Nagpur, achieving the best bowling figures in this format at 3.2-0-7-6. He also honed his skills for death overs, contributing significantly to his team’s success.

Versatility and Contributions as a Batter

Apart from his bowling abilities, Deepak Chahar is a valuable lower-order batter, scoring crucial runs for India and steering the team to victory on multiple occasions. His all-round capabilities further enhance his value to the team.

Challenges and Future Prospects

During the IPL 2022 mega auction, Chennai acquired Chahar for INR 14 crore, underscoring his importance to the franchise. Unfortunately, a back injury ruled him out for the entire season. Looking ahead, Chahar remains focused on returning strong and contributing significantly to both his franchise and the Indian national team.

FAQs About Deepak Chahar

Q: Where did Deepak Chahar begin his cricket career?
A: Deepak Chahar hails from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and began his cricket journey in the domestic circuit representing Rajasthan.

Q: How did Deepak Chahar gain recognition in domestic cricket?
A: Chahar gained recognition by taking eight wickets against Hyderabad, bowling them out for 21 runs, which is the lowest total in domestic cricket.

Q: What are Deepak Chahar’s notable achievements in the IPL?
A: Chahar has been a key wicket-taker for Chennai Super Kings, especially in Powerplays, and was bought for INR 14 crore in the 2022 auction.

Q: When did Deepak Chahar take a hat-trick in T20Is?
A: Deepak Chahar took a hat-trick against Bangladesh in a T20I decider in Nagpur in 2019, with career-best figures of 3.2-0-7-6.

Q: Can Deepak Chahar bat effectively for India?
A: Yes, Chahar is a handy lower-order batter, capable of scoring crucial runs and winning matches for India.