‘Mahi Bhai Was Why I Wanted To Go To CSK’: Deepak Chahar Talks About MS Dhoni Influence in IPL Career – News18
Last Updated:
Chahar also expounded on the fact that his name coming up late in this year’s mega auction may also have been a factor behind CSK’s inability to re-acquire the pacer for the upcoming season.
MS Dhoni (R), Deepak Chahar (L) of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. (Image: Sportzpics)
Chennai may have been home, but sometimes, a move is what it may take to expand one’s horisons and chances in their career. Deepak Chahar was forced to bid adieu to his loved CSK, after MI outbid the rest of the conpetition to acquire the pacer this IPL Mega Auction.
At the mega auction, MI decided to acquire the services of two other quality fast bowlers – Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. While Boult was signed for Rs 12.50 crore, the Mumbai-based franchise spent Rs 9.25 crore to land Chahar, whilst retaining strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah earlier.
The former Chennai Super Kings seamer reflected on the influence of MS Dhoni, as one of the core reasons behind his wanting to continue with the Chennai side but also appreciated the franchise’s effort to re-sign him in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.
“Mahi bhai has supported me from the start, that’s why I wanted to go to CSK. But my name came on the second day at the auction, so I had a fair idea that it would be difficult for me to get back to CSK. They had a low purse, but still bid till INR 9 crore despite a purse of INR 13 crore,” Chahar stated in a talk to SportsTak.
Chahar also expounded on the fact that his name coming up late in this year’s mega auction may also have been a factor behind CSK’s inability to re-acquire the pacer for the upcoming season.
“I had made up my mind that it would be difficult. Last year, my name came first, that’s why it was easier to get back to CSK,” he said.
The Agra-born pacer has had his share of injury troubles in recent years and opened up on his attempt at regaining match fitness over the past year, powered by his ambition to don the Indian Blue again.
“After the last IPL season, I went to UK for training. I was training with a big football club there,” Chahar said.
“Then, I came back and played five Ranji Trophy matches, bowling about 150 overs. Now, I’m playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” he added.
“So, I’ve been playing cricket regularly since the past six months, and I’ve been training well. My main goal is to play for India again, so I need to play all the 14 matches, play at my full potential, and then hopefully I can make a comeback for team India,” the seamer shared.
“This is going to be a very important season for me,” he asserted.
