Rejection from Chappell at 16 to picking up 8 for 10 on Ranji debut; the Deepak Chahar story

In the ongoing tri-series between India A, England Lions and West Indies A, Chahar has picked up 13 wickets in five matches, playing a crucial role in taking India A to the finals.

The right-arm medium pacer though took the rejection on his stride and took the Indian cricket by storm on his Ranji Trophy debut, picking up 8 for 10 against Hyderabad in 2010. Hyderabad were bowled out for 21 – the lowest total in the history of Ranji Trophy.

He finished that Ranji season as the second highest wicket-taker, with 30 wickets at 19.63 apiece.

However, Chahar’s flight crashed very early because of multiple injuries, which stopped him from enjoying a full season since then.

His enormous talent earned him a contract with Rajasthan Royals in 2010 itself and remained a part of the franchise till 2015 but limited opportunities meant Chahar’s career went backwards. His move to join the Rising Pune Supergiant then became the turning point.

Even though he picked up just one wicket in his three outings for RPS, Chahar impressed MS Dhoni a lot. He was picked up by Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and Chahar made roaring comeback. Chahar picked up 10 wickets in 12 matches and was mighty impressive with the new ball.

Deepak Chahar has been drafted into the Indian T20 squad as replacement of Jasprit Bumrah after the latter fractured his left thumb during the last over of the 2nd T20I against Ireland.

Deepak Chahar came to limelight after a successful IPL season with the eventual champions Chennai Super Kings.

However, there is more to Chahal than just IPL performances. Here are some interesting facts about India’s pace sensation.

Chahar was rejected by former India head coach and then Rajasthan Cricket Academy director Greg Chappell at the age of 16 in 2008.

Jasprit Bumrah’s untimely injury right at the start of India’s UK tour has opened the doors for a 25-year-old young seamer from Rajasthan.