Chahar eyes a spot in India's T20I World Cup squad

After leaving behind a testing phase on the personal front, which had kept him out of action for a few assignments, Deepak Chahar is all set for a comeback and aspires to be a part of the T20 World Cup which will be held in USA and West Indies in June this year. 

Chahar had to miss India’s tour to South Africa in December and the home T20I series against Afghanistan after his father suffered a brain stroke, from which he has fully recovered now. Since the men in blue do not play any T20Is until the showpiece event in June, Chahar’s only chance to make a mark is through the Ind T20 League starting in late March. 

"For me, my father comes first. I am here only because of him. Whatever I have achieved is because of my father. If I am not there for him in those situations, then obviously, what kind of son I am?" Chahar told PTI. 

"If the series was in India, then I would have surely tried to play. You can come to the hospital if you need within 4-5 hours. But obviously, [from] South Africa it takes 2-3 days to come back.

"It was an easy decision to be with my father. Any son would do that."

Chahar mentioned that while he did not get much time to train besides doing fitness related work, he admitted himself to NCA to work on his preparedness as he eyes a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. 

“I was with my father in the hospital for 25 days. He was admitted to Aligarh. We all had to stay there," he said.

"I was only able to do some exercises. I was not able to do any cricketing activities. That's why I was not ready for the Afghanistan series. I had not practised for a month or so.

"After that I went to the NCA. I started my practice again and now I am fully fit. Everything is good. I trained really hard for the IPL and the World Cup."

Chahar also stated that there is an additional motivation for him to push for his case for selection, considering he has missed out on the previous two T20I World Cups due to injury concerns. 

"I have missed two [T20] World Cups because of my injuries," he said. "If I was fully fit, I would have been a part of the World Cup team as well. In any scenario or any team combination, there is always a requirement for a bowler who can bat at Nos. 7, 8, 9. I have done that and scored runs for the Indian team."

Chahar credits former skipper MS Dhoni for channelling his career and providing it longevity, but does not want Chennai skipper’s imminent retirement to hit the side anytime soon.

“It took me two-three years to get comfortable around him," Chahar said of Dhoni. "I see him as an elder brother and I think he treats me as a younger brother.

"I would say because of him only I got a chance to play for India because before that, he gave me a really big chance to play all the 14 games in the Ind T20 League. In 2018, I played all 14 games."

Chahar said Dhoni, who suffered a knee injury last year, should avoid taking extra responsibility in the Chennai set-up at this phase of career and look to enjoy the game. 

“I personally think he has a lot to give to cricket. He can play for another two-three seasons. I have seen him bat in the nets. Obviously, he had an injury that anyone can have, people at 24 have that same injury that he has.

"He has recovered well. For me personally, he should play for another two-three years. [But] it's his call. He told everyone he is going to play his last game in Chennai. I think he will only decide. For us, it will be very difficult to play for Chennai without him. Everyone has [always] seen Chennai with Mahi bhai," Chahar said.

"He should not be taking it at this time because it is the end of his career. He should be enjoying, not taking responsibility and pressure for the team. He has prepared so many cricketers like Ravindra Jadeja and other players, those who can do that job, they are good at it."

Chahar said players flourish when the team environment is good, adducing similarity between Ranji winning side Rajasthan in 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons. 

"I have felt the same environment when I made my debut for Rajasthan. We won two titles. I still remember the atmosphere of the team was very different," he said.

"You need to create an environment. Players are the same, players don't change."