My motto in life is to chase perfection not success, states Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar was already a prodigy as a teenager and giving stiff competition to India’s best, as was evident in his first-class debut where he helped skittle Hyderabad to a record low Ranji Trophy total of 21 by recording figures of 8/10. However, things have not exactly gone to plan since and it took him eight more years to break into the national team as he made his debut last year against England. However, the 27-year-old chose to focus on the silver linings.

“As I have reached this point in my career after so much struggle, the feeling is special. I could have made my debut in 2010 itself when I was the highest wicket taker in the first class season, but this feeling would not have been there since dealing with recurring injuries and lack of opportunities at the state level have made me realize the value of hard work and patience,” Deepak Chahar was quoted saying by TOI.

Groomed by his father along with cousin brother Rahul who is also making strong claims to break into the Men in Blue’s lineup, Deepak has grown from a medium-fast bowler to one of the fastest pacers in the country who his renowned for his ability to pick wickets and keep it tight in the power-plays.

“My father and I have the same philosophy. The dialogue from the movie 'Three Idiots' sums it up quite well: perfection ke peechey bhago, success ke nahi [chase perfection, not success]. During the time I was away from cricket, my father and I worked on my ability to balance the ball both ways, generating a pace of 140 kmph and improving my batting skills. At that time I used to spend most of my time at my father's cricket academy in Agra. I even changed my action to achieve my goal. I went through a complete metamorphosis and stopped thinking about the selection,” he revealed.

Be it his injuries or jaundice, he has missed nearly four seasons of domestic cricket but finally got his breakthrough with the Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 IPL. Ever since, he has stayed in the spotlight and made the best of his opportunities.

“The turning point was when Mahi Bhai first saw me during the Supergiant practice games in 2016 where he was impressed with my batting. Later, when he saw me bowl in the nets, I managed to leave an impression. He was the team captain and wanted to make me play, but injuries marred that opportunity and next year it was Steve Smith who led the side and he was promoting other players, I didn't get many opportunities,” Chahar recalled.

He will have a key role to play with senior bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah absent from the t20 squad to face the Proteas and is raring to go to leave a mark.

“I have played against many South African players during the India A and IPL games, so I have a fair idea about them. My preparation has been quite good. My intention of coming to Jaipur was to get some practice matches before this series. The pressure is not there. I like to take responsibilities and I have done it playing for CSK where I was spearheading the attack and also bowled in the power-plays. I will say, I am pretty good at that,” he concluded.

Cricket FootBall Kabaddi

Basketball Hockey

SportsCafe