Deepak Chahar Eyes Test Cricket Comeback And T20 World Cup Spot Amidst Return To National Squad

In an interview with Jio Cinema, Chahar emphasised the need for preparation to excel in Tests, highlighting the significance of prior notice to gear up for the format.

Deepak Chahar in action.

Source : Getty

Deepak Chahar, having overcome persistent injuries, rejoins the national T20I setup for the ongoing series against Australia. His aspiration extends to Test cricket for India, intending to dispel the perception of being solely a white-ball bowler by showcasing readiness for the red-ball format. With over 130 wickets in 47 first-class games, Chahar aims to prepare methodically for Test cricket.

In an interview with Jio Cinema, Chahar emphasised the need for preparation to excel in Tests, highlighting the significance of prior notice to gear up for the format. Despite setbacks, including missing the 2022 IPL and the T20 World Cup due to injuries, his impactful performance for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023, grabbing 13 wickets in 10 games, affirmed his resilience and contribution with the new ball.

"There is preparation involved in everything we do. If you look at it, my preparation was good for the Ranji Trophy and also for the IPL (last season). I will not be able to play a Test match if I am suddenly informed that I'll play a Test. For that matter, no one else probably can. If I am told one month in advance, then I'll prepare accordingly. I will increase my workload accordingly. I have the swing, I have the ideas, it's just that I'll need a month to prepare. I would love to play Tests for India," Deepak Chahar told Jio Cinema.

Chahar's inclusion in the Indian squad, replacing Mukesh Kumar, underscores his efforts in fitness management. This opportunity aligns well for his prospects in the upcoming T20 World Cup. His success in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, securing 10 wickets in 5 matches, reaffirmed his form.

Known for his swing, Chahar expanded his repertoire by refining variations, earning trust to bowl at the death overs, particularly under MS Dhoni's captaincy at Chennai Super Kings. He expressed a preference for pitches with grass or slower ones, allowing him to leverage his strengths in swing and varied deliveries like slower balls, knuckle balls, leg-cutters, and off-cutters.

"I like all pitches except those that only favour batsmen. I prefer pitches that are either slow or those that have some grass. On those with grass, it's guaranteed that you will be hit in the later stages. The slower pitches don't have grip, so I prefer them because swing, I can extract in the air. I rely a lot on my slower balls and have also worked on new variations. I bowl the knuckle ball. I now have developed a nice leg-cutter. The off-cutter works well for me. Also, I have worked on the slower bouncer," he added.

India are set to play the fourth T20I of the series against Australia in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on December 1 (Friday). They lead the series by 2-1 and will aim to clinch the series by defeating the mighty Aussies.