Deepak Lokandersingh Chahar, a medium-pacer born on August 7, 1992, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is a celebrated name in Indian cricket. Representing Rajasthan in the domestic circuit, his journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination.
Despite an initial setback in his career, Chahar has emerged as a key player in Indian cricket, known for his swing bowling, versatility, and valuable contributions with the bat.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Initial Rejection
Chahar's cricketing journey began with a significant hurdle. In 2008, Greg Chappell, the then Director of the Rajasthan Cricket Academy, rejected him, doubting his potential. However, this rejection became the driving force behind Chahar’s determination to succeed.
Stunning Domestic Debut
Chahar announced his arrival on the domestic cricket scene in a spectacular manner. In a match against Hyderabad, he delivered a phenomenal display of swing bowling, taking eight wickets and reducing the opposition to just 21 runs—the lowest total in Indian domestic cricket history.
Overcoming Challenges
Struggles with Fitness
Following his sensational debut, Chahar faced numerous challenges, particularly with fitness. These struggles affected his form, leading to a temporary dip in his career.
Turning Point in 2018
Despite the setbacks, Chahar persevered. Through relentless hard work, he improved his fitness and refined his bowling skills. His efforts paid off during the 2018 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where his exceptional performances caught the attention of selectors. This marked the turning point in his career as he was picked by the Chennai franchise for the Indian T20 League.
Deepak Chahar 3 wickets vs Zimbabwe | 1st ODI - Zimbabwe vs India
Video by Willow TV
Rise to Prominence
Success with Chennai
Chahar's performances for the Chennai team were remarkable, particularly during the 2018 Indian T20 League. Under the guidance of M.S. Dhoni, he became a reliable wicket-taker, especially during Powerplay overs. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him a key player in Chennai's successful season.
Consistent Performer
In the following season, Chahar continued his impressive form, finishing as one of the top three wicket-takers. His performances solidified his reputation as a dependable bowler in the shortest format of the game.
International Breakthrough
Making the India A Squad
Chahar’s performances in the Indian T20 League earned him a spot in the India A squad for the tri-series against West Indies A and England Lions. He emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the series, further proving his mettle.
T20-I Debut
His hard work culminated in an international debut in 2018 when he was included in the T20-I squad against England. Although his debut was not memorable, it laid the foundation for future opportunities.
ODI Debut
Later that year, Chahar made his ODI debut against Afghanistan. Despite a below-par performance, his ability to swing the ball ensured that selectors continued to back him.
Iconic Moments in International Cricket
Record-Breaking Performance Against Bangladesh
Chahar etched his name in history during the T20-I decider against Bangladesh in Nagpur in 2019. He became the first Indian male bowler to take a hat-trick in T20-Is, finishing with sensational figures of 3.2-0-7-6—the best bowling figures in the format.
Contributions with the Bat
In addition to his bowling, Chahar has contributed crucial runs lower down the order. His ability to stabilize the innings during crunch situations has made him an asset to the Indian team.
Setbacks and Comebacks
Injuries and Resilience
Despite a stellar run, injuries have been a recurring challenge in Chahar’s career. The 2022 Indian T20 League saw him being bought by Chennai for INR 14 crore, but he was ruled out due to a back injury. His determination to bounce back has kept him in contention for future opportunities.
Personal Information and Achievements
Key Personal Details
Full Name: Deepak Lokandersingh Chahar
Born: August 7, 1992, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Age: 32 Years, 5 Months, 7 Days
Batting Style: Right-Handed
Bowling Style: Right-Arm Medium
Career Statistics
ODI: 13 matches, 16 wickets, best bowling 3/27, batting highest score 69*
T20-I: 25 matches, 31 wickets, best bowling 6/7, batting highest score 31
IPL: 81 matches, 77 wickets, best bowling 4/13, batting highest score 39
Legacy and Impact
Deepak Chahar’s journey from rejection to becoming a key player in Indian cricket is a testament to his perseverance and passion. His ability to swing the ball, coupled with his all-round capabilities, makes him a valuable asset. As he continues to overcome challenges, Chahar inspires aspiring cricketers to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
