“MS Dhoni keeps reminding you of your strengths,” says Deepak Chahar

Chahar felt lucky to get guidance from Dhoni during COVID-19 lockdown.

India and Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Deepak Chahar has impressed a lot in his short international and IPL career so far. He broke Ajantha Mendis’ record of best T20I bowling figures by picking up 6/7 against Bangladesh in 2019.

During that match, he also became the first Indian bowler to pick a hat-trick in the T20I format. But he picked up a lower-back injury during the one-day international series against the West Indies last year. The COVID-19 pandemic gave Chahar the much required time to recover from the injury and he is now ready to come back on to the field as he prepares for the IPL 2020.

During the lockdown, Chahar was in constant touch with his Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and took his advice to remain fit. Chahar says he is grateful to have a legend like Dhoni by his side.

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“I have been in touch with Mahi bhai during this period. Some days back he had made a phone call and said “body mei aa gai tere energy level? Baar baar injured kyun ho jata hai (have you got your energy levels back? Why do you get injured so often?). His phone calls really motivated me. It feels great when a legend like him calls and gives advice. I am happy to have a legend like Mahi bhai by my side,” Chahar told Timesofindia.com.

“Mahi bhai gives me proper advice. He has suggested a few exercises to keep myself fit. He has asked me to take proper rest. He always says one thing - ‘unfit nahi hona hai tune’ (you can't be unfit),” the 28-year-old fast bowler said.

A fit-again Chahar will be an important member of MS Dhoni’s CSK unit which will participate in the 13^th edition of the Indian Premier League, to be played entirely in the UAE from September 19 onwards.

Deepak also shared his experience of playing in CSK under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.

“I have played a lot of cricket under him (MS Dhoni). I have been playing for CSK for four years now. CSK is like a family and Mahi bhai handles it really well. I know he hasn’t played for India for the past one year. But watching him again on the cricket field will be so exciting. I am also eager to play under him," Chahar mentioned.

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“I am really looking forward to the IPL, as nothing was happening in Indian cricket. I am so excited that the tournament is set to begin. I am confident that Mahi bhai will take CSK to the title win this time. I got injured in December last year and since then I haven’t played any cricket. I want to start afresh and IPL will give me that platform,” Chahar excitedly spoke about playing in IPL 2020.

“Due to the lockdown, I got a lot of time for myself. In this period I took rest, recuperated from the injury, and introspected. I was lucky that I have an academy near my house. I go there for my daily practice and training," he added.

In 34 IPL matches so far, Chahar has claimed 33 wickets.