Jaipur: Deepak Chahal Back on the field. All four have finished playing ranji trophy Having played 99 matches so far this season with Rajasthan, including 13 scalp injuries, the seamer said his body has responded well to the grind of long-distance games and believes he can The yardage of effort put in here will help revitalize his international playing career.
The 32-year-old right-arm bowler’s tryst with injury has hampered his progress at the national level, but Deepak’s confidence has not diminished and he feels that no other bowler can offer the skills he possesses.
He played for the last time before the start of the domestic season indian premier league (IPL) matches chennai super kings (CSK) on May 1, and later withdrew from the game due to injury. TOI caught up with the fast bowler, who shared his struggles with recurring injuries, international comebacks, intense pulsed light Auction etc.
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How your body reacts to grinding Ranji cup?
During the IPL, I was determined to play in all the Ranji matches. This is a format that tests your skills and fitness, so I prepared with that mentality. So far, so good. In the three games in Jaipur, we bowled twice and it was a challenge. After a long time, I played 16 rounds in one game and it felt great.
What is the nature of the injuries you have sustained over the past few years?
There were two major injuries. One was a stress fracture in the back and the other was a triple quadriceps tear. I have dealt with back problems twice in the past three years and spent 18 months in rehab. It’s not just me, most pitchers go through this process. But I felt like the injury was at the wrong time. Regardless, I am now confident in my body and everyone is confident in my technique.
Four years later you will be playing in the Ranji Trophy…
It will help me hone myself. I was unable to compete in previous seasons due to injuries. Even when I played Ranji last year, I was in the rehab center and was not allowed to play longer games.
How frustrating is it to miss games due to injury and not be selected?
I believe in my skills and that gives me the confidence to return to international competition. The only thing I need to make sure is to get healthier and have options. I can’t just sit back and let the injury happen. What I can offer as a seamer is what every team wants – I can bat lower down the order and use the new ball very effectively. I am now at a mature stage of my game where I know how to respond to different game situations. The next three years will be crucial for me.
Since you started your IPL career, the team you represented, CSK, did not retain you. What do you think?
I wasn’t retained by them at the last big sale either. But they went all out for me and bought me back. I don’t know what will happen this year but I know my skills will be valued more now because the scores in Powerplay are around 90-100 runs and that’s why teams score over 200 runs more often. I’ve proven my value in limiting runs at that stage of the game.
you want MS DhoniIs there another bidding over there?
I think they’ll bid for me again. I want to wear the yellow jersey again, if not that, then I want rajasthan royals Make an offer for me.
