MS Dhoni and Deepak Chahar. (Photo Source : Twitter)
The MS Dhoni-led franchise is one of the most popular teams in the IPL. The prime reason for their success in the cash-rich league has been the constant backing of the young players they associate with. Moreover, the CSK skipper has been one solid pillar in providing the necessary freedom a player needs to test their mettle when it matters the most. As a result, Dhoni has helped numerous uncapped cricketers in honing their skills in the Indian Premier League.
In the same vein, ahead of the IPL 2023 final, Deepak Chahar shared an intriguing story of Dhoni having overruled the CSK coach Stephen Fleming’s team selection, showcasing how the wicket-keeper batter encourages and backs the team’s young players. The 30-year-old revealed that he faced difficulties in the IPL 2016 edition, where he played under MS Dhoni for the Rising Pune Supergiants, where he sustained an injury and had to put off until 2018, before establishing himself as a regular player under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
Chahar claimed that CSK Coach Fleming was anxious to play him from the start of the 2018 season. Nevertheless, Dhoni was insistent about giving the pacer all 14 games. The 30-year-old, additionally disclosed that when the team sheet for the opener was being planned, Dhoni had written Chahar’s name at the very beginning.
CSK picked me in 2018 but Fleming was reluctant to play me: Chahar
Since then, Deepak Chahar has come up the ranks by becoming CSK’s go-to bowler in the powerplays, picking wickets at regular intervals for the team. Notably, the CSK skipper, MS Dhoni, persisted with Chahar and believed in his bowling abilities. Consequently, Dhoni had put the willy bowler in the front for the selection. This resulted in not only finding a worthy all-rounder for the IPL-based franchise but also for team India.
“Interestingly, Fleming had selected me for my batting than my bowling after I hit five sixes during a practice match. Unfortunately, I suffered a hamstring injury and had to sit out for most of the 2016 season. In the 2017 edition, the team’s combination was set, and I got to play a few games. In 2018, CSK picked me in the auction, and Fleming was reluctant to play me, while Mahi bhai disagreed and stated, he will play all 14 games this season,” Chahar told on Breakfast with Champions.
“Our CEO came to me and revealed that when the team was being formed, my name was always written first,” Chahar concluded.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will lock horns with the Chennai Super Kings with the IPL title at stake on Sunday, May 28, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad. The home side will aim to retain the IPL trophy for the second consecutive time while Chennai Super Kings will look to lift their fifth IPL trophy.
