My priority right now is to remain fit and be available for the team: Deepak Chahar

Star India pacer Deepak Chahar reckoned that he is confined to make a comeback in the national team as he was fully recovered from hamstring and back issues. The 31-year-old last played for India in December 2022 and has been invariably suffering from multiple injuries. He picked up a hamstring injury earlier during the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) season and missed as many as six matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Chahar stated that he is fully fit and is confident that he can give his best when he gets the chance to play in the national side. Notably, after undergoing rehabilitation, the right-armer recently took part in the Rajasthan Premier League (RPL) and was also with the Asian Games-bound team at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

"A player should not get disappointed by injuries. These things are not in a player's hand. My priority right now is to remain fit and be available for the team. I will give my 100 percent for the team whenever I get a chance," Chahar was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.

"In my case, it can also be said that I was having a bad time. Last year, I suffered a back injury, which is serious for a fast bowler, but now I am completely fit. I am very happy with my bowling at the moment. I am trying to make a comeback into the national team. I recently played the RPL tournament. Till Sunday, I was at the National Cricket Academy. I was practising with the Indian team, which is going to China for the Asian Games," he added.

Whenever I get a chance, I want to contribute to the team's victory: Chahar

Deepak Chahar further opened up about his dream to play in the Cricket World Cup and contribute significantly to the team. 

"A cricketer's dream is to play the World Cup and win it for the country. I will try to complete it whenever I get a chance. I have won many tournaments in my first appearance. It was my first Asia Cup when India won it in 2018. I have played five finals in the last six IPL seasons and have become champions thrice. I have not played the World Cup yet, and whenever I get a chance, I want to contribute to the team's victory," he added.

The 31-year-old, who has picked up 45 wickets in 37 white-ball games for India, went on to admit the influence MS Dhoni has had on his career. He stated that he considers the former India captain as his elder brother and his idol.

"I am very lucky that I got a chance to spend time with Mahi bhai. I have been playing with him for many years. I consider him as my elder brother and my idol. I respect him a lot as a player and human being. I have learnt a lot from him," he concluded.