Coronavirus has given me extra time to recover: Deepak Chahar

2019 was brilliant for India pace bowler Deepak Chahar as he made an impact in the Indian team especially in the T20Is. However, an injury in December during the home ODI series against the West Indies, forced the 27-year-old out of the action and he missed the subsequent Australia ODIs and the New Zealand tour. He is now facing the race against time to regain fitness and stake claim for his spot in the team ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Now, as novel Coronavirus has stopped the cricketing action all over the world, Chahar feels this unfortunate break could give him time to recover. His participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) which was earlier set to start on March 29, was in doubt. But with the tournament being deferred until April 15, Deepak Chahar feels the break will work in his favour now.

“On the personal front, this (coronavirus problem) will give me extra time to get back on the track. Had IPL started on time, there was a possibility I would have missed out on a few initial games,” the 27-year-old was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Deepak Chahar was recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru but it has been closed down for the time being by the BCCI in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. However, Chahar is continuing with his recovery process and has also ordered basic gym equipment at his home.

Deepak Chahar shining for the Indian team

Deepak Chahar has played a handful of games for India now. He is known to make the new ball talk and has considerably improved his death overs bowling as well. In the 10 T20Is so far, he has picked 17 wickets and his economy of 7 is immensely impressive given that he bowls the most difficult overs.

Though he is yet to cement his place in the ODI side having played only three matches, the Rajasthan pacer will be keen to make it to the T20 World Cup squad later this year. However, he will have to stay fit and prove his match fitness to take the flight to Australia.