India and Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Deepak Chahar is feeling confident to recover in time for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. Chahar believes had the IPL started on time (29 March), he would have missed the initial few matches of the tournament. However, the tourney was suspended till April 15 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Thus, the postponement will help Chahar to be ready for the IPL, if the tournament happens. The right-arm pacer last played in the Indian colours back in December 2019 when he took the field in the second ODI against West Indies at Visakhapatnam. Chahar was ruled out of action due to a back injury and started his rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.
However, even NCA was shut down on March 19 due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
Deepak Chahar said while talking to Times of India, “On March 19th the NCA was declared closed. Given the spread of coronavirus, it was the right decision to send everyone back home as we stay in hotels and eat food there itself. It is not safe in the current scenario.”
Chahar revealed that he wanted to make the most of the time to continue his rehab and has ordered gym equipment to workout from home.
“Even our academy is shut, but I might practice alone there. In fact, two days ago I had ordered a few basic gym equipment, so that my exercise does not stop.”
The swing fast bowler added that the coronavirus issue has given him some more time to recuperate from his injury and he is making the most of it by working on his fitness.
“On the personal front, this (coronavirus problem) will give me extra time to get back on the track. Had IPL started on time, there was a possibility I would have missed out on a few initial games.”
On the other hand, Chahar who is known to swing the ball in the powerplay overs, is adding new hobbies to his list. Chahar has started playing guitar and has also learned five chords but he doesn’t want to stop till he becomes a pro at playing the musical instrument.
“I wanted to make the best use of time as I was restricted at home. I have so far learned five chords. I am at a very initial stage, but I am not going to stop until I am a pro at playing guitar.”
Deepak Chahar has thus far impressed by his skills and he has scalped 19 wickets in 13 International matches. Chahar has also done a good job for Chennai Super Kings as MS Dhoni has mostly used him in the powerplay overs.