Rahul and Deepak Chahar have grown on to become better cricketers since the IPL has emerged and the duo has been doing the job well for their respective teams. Rahul’s contribution to the Mumbai Indians (MI) is as important as that of his cousin brother’s for the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The cousins spoke about their careers in Cricbuzz’s latest episode of Spicy Pitch.

Rahul made his IPL debut when he was just a 17-year-old against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and picked his first wicket in the form of Hashim Amla. He has revealed how that wicket gave him the confidence to become a better player.

He said, “He (Amla) was my first wicket and I was only 17 when I debuted in the IPL. There was a lot of pressure as to how I will bowl to Maxwell and the rest, but I got a lot of confidence after taking Amla's wicket.”

The duo grew up in Rajasthan and had to face a lot of hardships to improve their game and play at higher levels. Deepak reminisced their time playing with tennis balls, rubber balls and even balls made of socks.

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He said, “As kids, we used to play with rubber balls, tennis balls, and even balls made of socks. When we didn't have money, or didn't have a ball, we stuffed the socks with small items and made it into a ball. We've played with those too.”

Deepak’s father, who is a retired Air Force Officer, is responsible for the duo’s careers taking shape. He spoke about how a spinner’s pace is also important and also revealed how their fitness regime’s shape up when they are at home.

Lokander Singh Chahar said, “The biggest thing for a spinner is like they say today - a spinner doesn't need a lot of speed, but I do think spinners need speed. The more speed you have, better the spinner (would be). Rashid Khan is very fit, so Rahul is in that range.”

“At 8 AM, they have their fitness routine that goes on till 11 AM. At 4 PM, they come back for the nets. Post that, a half-an-hour break, then gym. After gym, they swim,” he added.

(With inputs from Cricbuzz)