Harare 19 Aug : Thursday’s game saw the pacer Deepak Chahar play his first international game in more than seven months by picking 327 in seven straight overs to lay the foundation for India’s 10-wicket crushing of Zimbabwe in the opening ODI played at Harare Sports Club. After the game, where he was deemed to be the “Player of the Match” Chahar was clearly thrilled at returning to represent India again.
He also corrected his teammate left-arm spinner Axar Patel, regarding the amount of time he was off the field following the tearing of the left quadriceps in February in the T20I series against the West Indies.
“It’s been six and six and a half months not two .When you’re away for such a long period, you are looking forward to making a return to the Indian team.It was a challenging phase and took a lot of time.The positive thing is that it’s always changing.I’ve been waiting long enough to be able to return and take on India for the first time,” said Chahar in a video that was posted by the BCCI on their social media accounts.
In his return to the ball, Chahar took his time to discover his rhythm and groove before he was comfortable enough and took off the opening pair along with Wesley Madhevere.”It feels great.The landing surface was rough and my spikes weren’t gripping.I began landing properly but only when the surface became rough.
And I was fortunate to get a wicket that eased the pressure,” added Chahar.
The video was a bit of joy when Axar told Chahar, “You keep making strong comebacks.” In response, Chahar said, “You continue to take your interview.” In a joke, Axar, who had been referring to Chahar as being India’s AB de Villiers, responded by saying: “No, no! What do you think (Yuzvendra) Chahal bhai do (Chahal TV bhi to chalana hai).”
Due to the three wickets bowled by Chahar, Patel and Prasidh Krishna, India were able to bowl out Zimbabwe for 189.With 190 on the board, Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill were unbeaten on the wickets of 81 and 82 to aid in helping India get a 1-0 advantage in the series of three matches.
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