Deepak Chahar of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals made an 11-month return to the national side by replacing Mukesh Kumar in India’s roster for the present T20I series against Australia. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted vacation by the BCCI for the next several days.
Chahar last played for India in December 2022. Following that, he experienced a number of ailments, including a hamstring issue that forced him to miss the most of IPL 2023. Mukesh, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh became regulars for India during his absence.
“Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted leave for the duration of his wedding festivities. He will join the squad ahead of the 4th T20I in Raipur. Pacer Deepak Chahar has been added to India’s squad for the remainder of the series,” the BCCI wrote in a statement.
Deepak Chahar did not join the team right away. Avesh Khan was selected to replace Mukesh in the third T20I against Australia on Tuesday in Guwahati.
“A player should not get disappointed by injuries” – Deepak Chahar
In the lead-up to his international comeback, Deepak Chahar played some domestic List-A and T20 cricket. On Saturday, he had a remarkable performance for Rajasthan against Gujarat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Chandigarh, taking six wickets and helping his team secure the win.
He said two months ago that it’s pointless to be disappointed because of injuries.
“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 percent for the team whenever I get a chance,” he told PTI Bhasha in September.
“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 practicing with the Indian team, which is going to China for the Asian Games.”
Deepak Chahar
Chahar has 29 T20I wickets at an average of 24.24.