India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowler Deepak Chahar returned to action for the four-time champions in the IPL 2023, after he missed out on entire season last year. In fact, he was sidelined from the game for more than eight months due to a stress fracture and a quad grade 3 tear.
The Rajasthan domestic white-ball captain was picked for INR 14 crores in IPL 2022 mega auction, but missed the rest of the year including the IPL due to his injuries.
Despite going wicketless in CSK’s 5-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2023 opening match, Chahar is hopeful of playing full season for his side and help the team win the title.
“I know how to deal with injuries, but this time it was longer. It was at least eight months. For a fast bowler, coming back from an injury is a difficult task. Hopefully, I don’t get it again and I play this entire season and year injury free. I have been lucky to be part of a good team and good environment. If you have an environment, where everyone is supporting each other. And if you are always talking about winning the tournament. That’s where you reach the finals and win the finals,” Chahar told CSK TV.
He was one of the vital reasons why CSK won the IPL 2021 as he picked 14 wickets in 14 matches. He shared his favorite memory about playing for the yellow army .
“When I played for CSK in the first season, we won. Same time when I think about that year when we won 2021, that’s my last memory. I tell everyone, if you want to enjoy a cricket match, you should come to Chennai and see CSK play at home. That atmosphere is very different. Whenever I play a CSK match here at Chepauk, I always mis those three stands. Where no crowds were sitting and we had to put hoardings. And the cheering could be heard from only one side. Now this year, the new stadium is looking amazingly good,” said Chahar.
The 30-year-old pacer also spoke about the help he received from West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo during his first season with the CSK. Bravo, who announced his retirement from international cricket last year, is the new bowling coach for the Chennai Super Kings.
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“In the first year, Dwayne Bravo really helped me. I have had a good relationship with Bravo. He has got a huge experience and that’s good for all the youngsters. We have a lot of young fast bowlers in our team. It’s good for them to learn. I can even learn a few skills from him, especially death bowling,” said Chahar.
Chahar also had some advice for the young pace bowlers.
“If you think about the performance of the team, your individual performance will come automatically. After a few matches, you will end up winning for the team. But the thought process of every player should be that, I want to win every match for the team. I want to contribute in all aspects. Even if you are not able to contribute with the bat or ball, you try to contribute to the environment.” said Chahar.
(CSK TV inputs)
