'If I can bat a bit, I will always have a place in the Indian team' - Deepak Chahar wishes to emulate Hardik Pandya

The Indian team has been blessed with some world-class fast-bowling talents in recent years, with Deepak Chahar being one of them. However, the new ball bowler has not been able to live up to his potential due to a string of unfortunate injuries and is adamant about making an impression on his return from injury in IPL 2023.

Deepak Chahar, who has declared himself fit for the upcoming edition of the IPL after recovering from a Grade 3 tear in his quad, wishes to emulate star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Chahar feels that he can do a similar job for the national team if he can further improve his batting. Chahar has two half-centuries to his name in 13 ODI appearances so far and is more than a handy batter down the order.

"Process is simple. When I wasn't playing for India, even then I used to follow this process and it hasn't changed even now. When I was struggling in my state team and used to say to my teammates that one day I'll play for India, they would laugh at me. I believed back then as well that if I can bowl around 140 kph, swing the ball both ways, I will not have any trouble getting batters out. And if I can bat a bit, I will always have a place in the Indian team - now and even 10-15 years later," Chahar told Sports Tak.

He is the No. 1 all-rounder in the world because he can do all three: Chahar

Talking about the competition in the team, the 30-year-old admitted that it is tough to stand out in a star-studded line-up, but if he can contribute in all three facets of the game he will be a guaranteed starter in the team like Hardik Pandya. Chahar feels that a dearth of fast bowling all-rounders in the country makes his role ever more significant for the national team with the 50-over World Cup looming large for the hosts.

"Competition is tough so you obviously will have to distinguish yourself from the rest. Batting is a plus for me since I've been doing it since I was a child. I have focussed always on it. Last year I got opportunities so I was able to score runs. If I get a chance to make matches and win matches, I will try my best.

"Look at Hardik Pandya - he does all three things; bowl quick, swing and bat; no one can take his place in the Indian team 1 or 2 years from now. He is the No. 1 all-rounder in the world because he can do all three. So it's not just me; if any player can do that, he will warrant a place in the team," he added.

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