Deepak Chahar has missed out on a lot of cricket over the last year but is back strong for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with whom he has won the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy twice — in 2018 and 2021. The pacer returned to action for the franchise's opening match of the 2023 IPL but failed to get a wicket as Gujarat Titans (GT) secured a hard-fought win.
Speaking to CSK TV ahead of his team's second match against the Lucknow Super Giants, the medium pacer was wary about falling for a recurring injury, something that has plagued the Indian national team players in recent times. Jasprit Bumrah is out of commission for the foreseeable future, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be without their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer this season.
“I know how to deal with injuries, but this time it was longer. It was at least eight months. For a fast bowler, coming back from an injury is a difficult task. Hopefully, I don’t get it again and I play this entire season and year injury free. I have been lucky to be part of a good team and a good environment. If you have an environment, where everyone is supporting each other. And if you are always talking about winning the tournament. That’s where you reach the finals and win the finals,” Chahar said.
He added to his praise for the four-time IPL champions and recommends all cricketers to play for the reputed franchise. “When I played for CSK in the first season, we won. Same time when I think about that year when we won in 2021, that’s my last memory. I tell everyone, if you want to enjoy a cricket match, you should come to Chennai and see CSK play at home. That atmosphere is very different.
"Whenever I play a CSK match here at Chepauk, I always missed those three stands. Where no crowds were sitting and we had to put hoardings. And the cheering could be heard from only one side. Now this year, the new stadium is looking amazingly good,” said Chahar.
He is also ready to give his everything to help his team back to the team, with CSK finishing ninth in IPL 2022. “If you think about the performance of the team, your individual performance will come automatically. After a few matches, you will end up winning for the team. But the thought process of every player should be that I want to win every match for the team. I want to contribute in all aspects. Even if you are not able to contribute with the bat or ball, you try to contribute to the environment.” said the 30-year-old bowler.
READ ALSO:
