Mohammad Kaif reckons to share a dressing room and playing alongside CSK skipper MS Dhoni for years must have helped Deepak Chahar keep his nerve in the tight run chase against Sri Lanka in the second ODI.
India looked down and out while chasing 276 for victory as they struggled at 193-7 at one point. However, Deepak Chahar (69*), along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (19*), formed an unbeaten 84-run partnership to guide India to victory in the final over of the game.
Mohammad Kaif: Playing With MS Dhoni At CSK In IPL Helped Mentally Strong Deepak Chahar
Mohammad Kaif took to Instagram to congratulate Deepak Chahar for his brilliant knock, stating that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seamer brings a lot of street smartness to international cricket.
Indian pacer Deepak Chahar was one of the top performers of CSK with 22 wickets in 17 matches averaging 21.9 in IPL 2019. He picked 12 scalps in 14 games in IPL 2020 and 8 scalps in 7 games in IPL 2021. He has picked up 53 wickets from 55 matches so far averaging 27.62.
“Deepak Chahar showed today he is a sharp and smart fighter. He is mentally strong and very entertaining – he brings a bit of mohalla cricket to the international field. Playing with the world’s best finisher Dhoni at CSK also helps, ” said Mohammad Kaif.
The 28-year-old was a bit expensive in the second ODI with the ball as he conceded 53 runs in his eight overs. The bowler, however, returned with two wickets, including a brilliant slower delivery that castled Wanindu Hasaranga. But, Deepak Chahar on Tuesday night garnered all the attention as he played a remarkable inning to take India home in the 2nd ODI in Colombo.
After the dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav, who also notched his maiden ODI fifty and ended up scoring 53 off 44 balls, Deepak Chahar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar teamed up and stitched an unbeaten 84-run stand for the eighth wicket to finish the chase successfully.
Deepak Chahar Reveals Rahul Dravid Told Him He’s Good Enough To Be A No. 7 Batsman And Told Him To Play All The Balls
Deepak Chahar walked in to bat when the score was 160-6, with the target still more than 100 runs away. After the win, the 28-year-old revealed that Rahul Dravid had advised him to stay in the middle and play all the balls.
Speaking after the game, Deepak Chahar said: “Only one thing that was going on in my mind: this is the kind of innings I’ve been dreaming of. No better way to win the match for the country. Rahul sir told me to play all the balls. I’ve played a few innings with India A and I think he has belief in me. He told me he thinks I’m good enough to be a No. 7.”
Virat Kohli, who is currently in England, kept an eye on the proceedings of the game. After India’s win, the Indian skipper lauded Deepak Chahar’s efforts and his ability to play a crucial knock under pressure.