I want to prove myself as a batsman also: Deepak Chahar

Rajasthan fast bowler Deepak Chahar has had an impressive year. He represented champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and did exceptionally well, especially with the new ball as he was able to make inroads almost every time. To add to his delight, he got a national call-up in India’s T20I series against England and made his debut in Bristol.

Last month, the 26-year-old cricketer made his ODI debut in the recently concluded Asia Cup against Afghanistan in Dubai after coming in as a replacement of Hardik Pandya, who suffered a back strain against Pakistan at the same venue in the previous match. Recently, Chahar has claimed that he wishes to present himself as someone who can bat and bowl with equal efficiency.

“I can bat too. I was drafted in as a replacement for Hardik Pandya in the Asia Cup. So I want to prove myself as a batsman also. I want to be the all-rounder in the side who can bowl with the new ball. I want to train myself in such a manner that if selectors want a new ball bowler, they pick me, and also if they want an all-rounder they pick me,” Chahar was quoted as saying in NDTV Sports.

Dhoni made me play all the matches in IPL

Chahar has a decent record with the bat in India’s domestic cricket. In 41 first-class matches, he has notched 889 runs at an average of 18.14 with a couple of half-centuries. Even in List ‘A’ matches, he has a top score of 38.

During this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), he was promoted up the batting order a few times and he didn’t disappoint in the limited chances he got. Chahar also lauded CSK captain MS Dhoni for supporting him throughout the season.

“He (Dhoni) used me so well in the IPL and he is always effusive in praise of me. When Dhoni bhaiya speaks highly of someone, people take it seriously. He made me play all the matches and later told me that he wanted that. He had told the management that Deepak will play every game.

That matters a lot. We won the IPL and performing in the IPL matters. I have been doing well in domestic cricket since a long time. If you have to play for India, you have to also do well in the IPL and show that you can handle pressure,” he added.

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