Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar has set his sights on the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 which kicks off in June. The marquee T20 tournament will be played across the USA and the West Indies where Team India is placed in Group B alongside Pakistan, the USA and Ireland.
Also Read: Shoaib Bashir joins England squad after delayed visa fiasco
Chahar was last seen in an Indian jersey during the five-game home T20I series against Australia amidst which he had to leave the game to attend to his father, who suffered a brain stroke, from which he has recovered now. Speaking about the upcoming major tournaments, the Chennai Super Kings star is focused on making a comeback in the T20 World Cup.
Deepak Chahar eyeing comeback in T20 World Cup 2024
In an interview with PTI, Chahar 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."
“I have missed two (T20) World Cups because of my injuries. If I was fully fit, I would have been a part of the World Cup team as well. In any scenario or (in) any team combination, there is always a requirement for a bowler who can bat at No. 7, 8, 9. I have done that and scored runs for the Indian team,” he added.
For me, my father comes first: Chahar on absence from team
Speaking about his absence from the team, Deepak Chahar expressed that it was his duty to care for his father and was sure of his decision. Chahar said, “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? 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," Chahar added.