'It's like he has never been away' - Twitter erupts seeing Deepak Chahar's wicket-taking spree on international comeback

It was a memorable comeback for pacer Deepak Chahar, who returned to the international setup in the first of the three ODIs against Zimbabwe on Thursday, August 18. The pacer started the bowling attack for the Men in Blue after KL Rahul won the toss and elected to field first. The pacer, who missed out on a lot of international tours and the IPL, returned with brilliant figures in the powerplay.

Playing an international match for the first time since his last game in February, Chahar conceded just 10 runs off his first three overs and restricted the hosts very well from scoring runs. After an unsuccessful review in the third over, Chahar found the perfect opportunity in the seventh over and picked up his first wicket in the form of Innocent Kaia as Sanju Samson caught him behind the stumps.

Adding to the celebrations, he struck again in his next over and sent the other opener Tadiwanashe Marumani walking back to the dugout. He bowled it full and outside the off-stump, which gave the batter an opportunity to take a shot at it. Just as Marumani attempted it, there came an edge and the ball directly landed in Samson’s gloves.

The third wicket was picked by Mohammad Siraj as Zimbabwe finished their powerplay scoring mere 31 runs and losing three wickets on the way. On the first delivery after the first powerplay, Chahar struck for the third time, and it took no time for the on-field umpire to raise his hand to indicate the wicket. A full and straight delivery directly hit the batter’s pads, and Wessly Madhevere instantly started walking off, dropping the idea of reviewing it.

Deepak Chahar’s first outing in almost six months

Chahar, who missed the entire IPL 2022 after being bought by the Chennai Super Kings at the mega auction for a whopping INR 14 Crore, suffered another injury after recovering from his first one and, as a result, had to spend more time at the NCA in Bengaluru. He missed the South Africa five-match T20Is home series, the Ireland tour, the England tour, and finally the Caribbean tour before finally walking back into the side in style.

Here’s how Twitter users expressed their views on Deepak Chahar’s comeback:

It's like he has never been away 😌

Deepak Chahar 💙#ZIMvIND

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 18, 2022

Deepak Chahar should be a sure shot selection in the T20 World Cup squad. #ZIMvIND

— Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) August 18, 2022

Whole nation stands and Appreciate ,when Deepak Chahar Swings.

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsCult) August 18, 2022

Deepak Chahar at no 7 could be our Irfan Pathan like 07 T20 World Cup ✍️ #T20WC2022

— Krishna Khandelwal (@krishnahitman2) August 18, 2022

Deepak Chahar an asset, the reverse swing he's getting with new ball is phenomenal.
India still have time to include him to #AsiaCup2022 squad #ZIMvIND

— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) August 18, 2022

Deepak Chahar should be a permanent member in the ODI XI when fit! Outstanding with the new ball and can bat as well which improves your batting depth! #ZIMvIND

— Anirudh (@OffDrive_) August 18, 2022

#DeepakChahar is well & truly back 🔥 #INDvsZIM #CricketTwitter

— 𝕊ℍ𝔸ℝ𝔸𝔻 🦁 (@sharad__tweets) August 18, 2022

What a comeback 😍🦁#DeepakChahar pic.twitter.com/JKTWYedWh3

— P A N T H E R™ (@CricSurya07) August 18, 2022

Deepak Chahar and Mohammed Siraj bossed the PowerPlay.

Zimbabwe 31/4.

— C. S Chiwanza (@CSChiwanza) August 18, 2022

#DeepakChahar you beauty❤️
What a comeback 👏👏👍👍👍🤟#ZIMvsIND

— Rahul Kumar (RK)🇮🇳 (@itsrahuul) August 18, 2022

It's just great start for Deepak chahar after coming from injury, will be big asset for world Cup.#INDvsZIM #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/zp9yiPyvO3

— Prabhat Singh Rathore (@Prabhat03471721) August 18, 2022