Deepak Chahar, the Indian pacer who has successfully overcome hamstring and back injuries, holds the belief that cricketers should not shoulder the responsibility for their injuries. Despite the setbacks, he is resolute in his determination to secure his spot on the national team. The 31-year-old, who last represented India in December of the previous year, has been plagued by a series of injuries in the past. This season, Chahar suffered a hamstring injury, leading to his absence from six IPL games for the Chennai Super Kings. Furthermore, a back injury sidelined him for the entire IPL season and caused him to miss the T20 World Cup in Australia.
Chahar expressed, "A player should not get disappointed by injuries. These things are not in a player's hands. My priority right now is to remain fit and be available for the team. I will give my 100 per cent for the team whenever I get a chance."
"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 to the national team. I recently played in the RPL (Rajasthan Premier League) 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.
Chahar boasts impressive records of 16 and 29 wickets in 13 ODIs and 24 T20Is, respectively, with the added capability of contributing with the bat, including two half-centuries in ODIs. While not part of India's roster for the upcoming ODI World Cup on home soil, Chahar remains optimistic about his prospects and dreams of clinching the prestigious ICC tournament during his playing career.
"A cricketer's dream is to play the World Cup and win it for the country. I will try to achieve it whenever I get the opportunity. I have tasted victory in many tournaments in my debut appearances. It was my first Asia Cup when India emerged victorious in 2018. I have reached five finals in the last six IPL seasons and have emerged champions thrice," he expressed.
Chahar also highlighted the significant influence of his Chennai Super Kings captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on his career development.
"I am very lucky that I got a chance to spend time with Mahi bhai (Dhoni). 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 learned a lot from him."
