'Your effort made whole country proud' - Deepak Chahar's fiancée pens emotional note after all-rounder's heroic knock goes in vain

Deepak Chahar’s fiancée Jaya Bharadwaj penned an emotional note after Chahar’s valiant knock against South Africa in the third and final ODI went in vain, with India slipping down to a narrow, heart-crushing four-run defeat to concede the series 0-3.

Set 288 to avoid a clean sweep, India were well on track in the chase before South Africa inflicted a collapse that reduced them from 116/1 to 156/4 in a space of nine overs.

Chahar, who bailed India out of similar trouble on ODI debut against Sri Lanka last year with an unbeaten 69 to overhaul a 275-run target, threatened to repeat the same after he entered in the 40th over, racing off to 54 in a counterattacking knock stitched alongside the India tail.

However, an error of judgment led to his end when he mistimed a Lungi Ngidi slower delivery into the hands of Dwaine Pretorius to end his outing, with India still needing 10 runs. It would eventually prove four too many as South Africa would bowl India out for 283 with four balls left in the bank.

Chahar was visibly distraught in the dug-out after India lost their final wicket and saw their opposition snatch an unlikely victory. “Days are hard when you are playing and harder when you are not but the hard work, dedication, passion and enthusiasm you show on and off-field for this game is what truly makes you a champion, Bharadwaj wrote on Instagram.

 

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“A sport as competitive as cricket, sometimes you win the game and sometimes not but your effort has made the whole country proud. You have shown that you are ready to win the toughest of battles for your country and your team… proud of you… Jai Hind,” she concluded.

Will certainly try to give Deepak Chahar more chances: Rahul Dravid

While Chahar’s efforts could not help India achieve victory, he earned himself praises from head coach Rahul Dravid, who assured giving the all-rounder more chances in the future.

“He [Chahar] has shown in the opportunities that he has got with us in Sri Lanka and over here as well that he has got some really good ability with the bat,” Dravid said in a virtual interaction following India’s defeat.

“I have seen him at India A as well and I know he can bat quite well. Obviously, we know what he can do with the ball. It’s nice to have people like him and Shardul, who we saw in the last couple of games being able to contribute with the bat as well. Such players, who can contribute with the bat lower down, make a big difference.

“We will certainly try to give him [Chahar] a few games along with Shardul and others who can step up over the next year or so.”