Indian fast-bowler Deepak Chahar has credited former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni for his improvement as a bowler in the powerplay overs.
Dhoni has captained Chahar in the Chennai side in the Indian T20 League, in which the bowler has gone from strength to strength.
“Mahi bhai has made me a powerplay bowler,” Chahar told The Times of India.
The 28-year-old seamer explained how Dhoni’s backing has been instrumental in the development of his abilities.
“He always says, ‘you are my powerplay bowler.’ He knows his players well, and he uses them wisely. He knows who is good at death, who is good in the powerplay, and who is good in the middle overs.”
Chahar further added that playing under Dhoni has not only helped him grow as a bowler, but also credited the veteran keeper-batsman for teaching him to accept responsibilities in a better way.
“It was a long-cherished dream of mine to play under Mahi bhai. I have learnt a lot under his captaincy. I have taken my game to another level under his guidance. He has always backed me. He taught me how to take responsibility.”
A few weeks ago, Kuldeep Yadav too opened up on how the former Indian captain’s advice and strategy helped the spinner take wickets at regular intervals.
Although the Indian team for the limited overs series in Sri Lanka is yet to be announced, Deepak Chahar could well be considered as one of the picks for the tour. The seamer might also be given the opportunity to lead the pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Chahar made his ODI debut in September 2018. Since then he has only played in three ODIs. As far as the T20Is are concerned, the seamer has played 13 games for India.
Featured photo: AFP / Noah Seelam
