Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar had played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Indian Premier League (IPL) triumphs in 2019 and 2020.
While the 21-year-old took 13 wickets in 13 games in the 2019 edition, he claimed 15 wickets in as many matches last season.
Ahead of the 2021 edition of IPL, Rahul is confident that the Mumbai-based franchise will clinch their sixth title under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.
Rohit has so far captained MI to five title wins – 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
"I am looking forward to another good season with Mumbai Indians. We have the best coaching staff. We have Zaheer Khan, Mahela Jayawardene and it is an honour to take cricketing lessons from them. I am sure I will have another huge learning curve with the team once again," Rahul told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive chat.
"I am confident that Mumbai Indians will clinch their sixth title. The way the boys are performing and are in form, especially Rohit bhaiya (Rohit Sharma), Hardik (Pandya), Krunal, Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) and Ishan Kishan, the side is looking very strong and are the favourites to win the sixth title and the third in a row. I am sure Rohit bhaiya will hit a sixer of titles this time," he further said.
Rahul Chahar made his India debut in a T20I game against West Indies in 2019 before being sidelined for almost 1.5 years.
He recently received a recall in the T20I squad for the England series at home and also featured in two games, recording the figures of 2/35 and 0/33.
"I made a comeback to the Indian side after almost one and a half years. It felt really good to be a part of the team once again. The wait was a long one. I worked a lot on my bowling. I worked on certain areas. I want to be consistent and play as long as possible for my team. I want to play all three formats for India. I want to give credit to my tau ji (uncle) and Zaheer sir. Zaheer sir has played a big role in taking my game to the next level. He understands me and my bowling really well. He always gives me advice and tips," he stated.
The youngster also acknowledged the contribution of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in making him a confident bowler.
"The best quality in Rohit bhaiya and Virat bhaiya is that they show trust and confidence in me and other bowlers. Your confidence is sky high when your captain backs you, especially in crunch situations," Chahar said.
"When I was playing for India, Virat bhaiya used to come and tell me the areas where I should be pitching the ball. He said you are a good bowler and all you need to do is hit certain areas. At Mumbai Indians, Rohit bhaiya always says 'tu pakka wicket lega' (You will surely take a wicket). Both Virat bhaiya and Rohit bhaiya give me confidence. That's the best quality in them. Even if you are being hit by the batsmen, both of them will back you," he further remarked.
"We always watch videos of batsmen and make plans. Rohit bhaiya comes and discusses the plans after watching the videos and tells me the areas I should be bowling in," he continued.
While Rahul Chahar is aware that an impressive outing in the IPL might pave way for his inclusion in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup, he isn’t thinking too far ahead.
"I don't want to think about it (India playing XI spot) right now. IPL is the only thing on my mind right now. If I perform well, I will surely get the chance. It is the ultimate dream to reach there (Indian team)," he concluded.
(With TOI inputs)
