T20 World Cup: Will Deepak Chahar boast India's pace attack?
In April, Indian pacer Deepak Chahar suffered a back injury that ruled him out of IPL 2022. It was a massive setback for Chahar, who was beginning to cement his spot in India's T20I side. In a recent interview with PTI, Chahar informed that he will take nearly a month more to recover fully. Will he make the cut for the T20 World Cup?
Why does this story matter?
As per PTI, Chahar has looked in "good shape" during his morning session at the National Cricket Academy. The Indian fast bowler stated that he will miss the impending limited-overs series in the UK. "I am bowling five overs at one go as per my rehab schedule. I think it will take another four-five weeks for me to get match fit," Chahar told PTI.
Chahar averages 22.26 in T20I cricket
Chahar made his T20I debut in July 2018 (vs England at Bristol). The right-arm seamer has represented the Men in Blue in 20 matches so far. He has taken 26 wickets at a remarkable average of 22.26. The tally includes a solitary five-wicket haul. Chahar's last T20I appearance was in February 2022, against West Indies at the Eden Gardens.
Best T20I figures by an Indian
Chahar has the best figures by an Indian bowler in T20I cricket. He recorded figures of 6/7 (3.2) against Bangladesh in November 2019. Chahar is one of the two Indian bowlers to have taken a six-wicket haul in the shortest format.
Chahar is a handy batter down the order
Chahar's talent is not just limited to his bowling. He is a handy batter down the order. In July last year, a splendid knock by him (69*) helped India steal victory from the jaws of defeat against Sri Lanka in the second ODI. Chahar also slammed his second ODI fifty (54) against South Africa (3rd ODI) in Cape Town earlier this year.
Chahar will face a tough competition!
India have a terrific pool of fast bowlers to choose from. In the recently-concluded SA series, India had pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Pate, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, and Hardik Pandya (all-rounder). Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur are away on Test duty. Thus, Chahar would have to work hard to find a spot for the T20 WC.
What can help Chahar?
Unlike most Indian bowlers, Chahar has the proposing to bowl the dangerous 'out-swinger'. He angles the ball out in the initial few overs, something that helps him outfox the batters. India could gain from his ability on the Australian decks (T20 World Cup). Interestingly, Chahar has taken 43 of his 59 IPL wickets in the powerplay overs (0-6).
