Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fast bowler Deepak Chahar has expressed admiration for captain MS Dhoni and their close, brotherly bond. After playing intermittently for the Rising Pune Supergiants alongside Dhoni in 2016 and 2017, Chahar joined CSK in 2018.
Since then, the fast bowler has been a part of the franchise under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Chahar played a crucial role in CSK’s championship victories in 2018, 2021, and 2023, securing 37 wickets over the three seasons.
In a PTI interview, Chahar elaborated on his association with Dhoni, highlighting the gradual development of their relationship.
“It took me 2-3 years to get comfortable around him (Dhoni). I see him as an elder brother and I think he treats me as a younger brother. We have our fun moments. During lockdown, we played a lot of PUBG together. We played a lot of games together. We spent a lot of time together off the field. I’ve been lucky to learn so much from him,” said Deepak Chahar.
Chahar acknowledged Dhoni for his eventual debut in the Indian team in 2018, stating:
“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 IPL. In 2018, I played all the 14 games.”
The 31-year-old has emerged as Dhoni’s preferred bowler, particularly with the new ball, due to his knack for making early breakthroughs during the powerplay. Chahar has accumulated 72 wickets in his IPL career, maintaining an average of 28.04 and an economy rate of less than eight runs per over.
“It would be extremely challenging to represent CSK without him”- Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar thinks that captain MS Dhoni should continue playing for another two to three years. He acknowledged that once the legendary cricketer retires, it will pose a challenge for all the CSK players. Despite celebrating his 42nd birthday in July last year, Dhoni participated in all 16 games in the previous season’s IPL and guided the franchise to their fifth title.
“He has recovered well. For me personally, he should play for another 2-3 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 CSK without him. Everyone has (always) seen CSK with Mahi bhai,” said Chahar.
However, the fast bowler believes that Dhoni should refrain from taking on extra responsibilities at this point in his career.
“He should be enjoying not taking responsibility and pressure for the team. He should not be taking it at this time because it is the end of his career. He has prepared so many cricketers like Ravindra Jadeja and other players, those who can do that job, they are good at it,” added Chahar.
Dhoni holds the record as the most successful captain in the IPL, securing 133 victories in 226 games. Last season, he achieved the milestone of leading a single franchise in 200 IPL matches, making him the first to do so. Additionally, the experienced wicket-keeper stands as the seventh-highest run-scorer in IPL history, amassing 5,082 runs at an average of 38.79 and a strike rate of 135.91.
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