When it comes to spotting talents and preparing them to become world-class cricketers, few can match Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni. One of the main reasons why Dhoni is so successful as captain of India and also CSK in the IPL, is his ability to judge a cricketer and then back him up even in difficult times.
Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Suresh Raina and even overseas cricketers like Shane Watson, there are n-number of cricketers who have been endorsed by Dhoni. The CSK Deepak Chahar pacemaker is the latest addition to that list. (Read also: Full coverage of IPL 2020)
Chahar, who had burst onto the scene with a mind-blowing performance at the Ranji Trophy debut, was lost from sight even to national cricket after sustaining a serious injury. It was Dhoni who got Chahar on the Rising Pune Supergiant side at IPL 2016, primed him up, and then brought him to CSK. There, Chahar realized his full potential and became one of CSK’s main weapons with the new ball.
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There were many games where Dhoni finished with Chahar’s full quota in one go, considering that the right arm pacemaker had the ability to move the ball both ways.
In a recent interview with former India starter Aakash Chopra, Chahar revealed that he wanted to throw himself to his death. Since he could pitch in the 140s, he wanted to be judged in the death overs, but Dhoni didn’t give him many chances.
“Generally you don’t give the old ball to bowlers who have a pace of 120-125 km / h, but when I was playing for RPS and even for CSK I was playing around 140 but he didn’t give me the ball in death”, Chahar told Chopra on his Aakash Vaani show.
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The right arm closer added that he mustered up his courage and even asked Dhoni the reasons why he couldn’t play in the Death Over.
“I had asked Mahi bhai this. She gave me a two word answer and then I couldn’t say much. So I asked the bowling coach a couple of times, he also said it should be thrown in death overs. Finally, I gathered something of value and asked Mahi bhai when he was sitting in a room. He said, ‘I prepare the players’ and that’s it. He didn’t say anything else, ”Chahar added.
Chahar was one of CSK’s best players with 22 wickets in 17 games at an economy rate of 7.63. Its returns on IPL backed by consistent performance for India A earned it its international cap. Now he has become one of the best Indian players in T20I.
When asked why Dhoni was so supportive of him, Chahar explained that Dhoni likes cricketers who can contribute in all three departments.
“I think Dhoni prefers those who are good in all departments. He likes those who can help bowling and fielding. A bowler may have a bad day, but he can turn a game around with a good catch, or he can win the lot with a six or four.
“If you look at our team, we have a lot of players who are good in all departments. T20 is a format that requires you to do everything. There are many teams in the IPL that have a strong hitting formation or strong bowling attack, but are still dependent on a few cricketers. If they do well, they end up winning matches alone, but if they don’t, the team has problems, ”said Chahar.
Chahar had come across Covid positive late last month, but the right arm closer joined CSK’s practice about a week ago and is ready to take the new ball for CSK in the 2020 IPL opener against defending champions the Mumbai Indians on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
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