'I Will Not be Able to Play a Test Match if...': Deepak Chahar Reveals His Red-ball Ambitions

Deepak Chahar’s India career has been hampered by various injuries but the fit-again fast bowler is now hoping to put him in prime position for the T20 World Cup next year.

Chahar last appeared in an India shirt back in December 2022 following which he battled back and hamstring issues. He could be in line for an India return during the 4th T20I against Australia scheduled to be played on Friday in Raipur.

Chahar was included in India’s squad midway through the series after Mukesh Kumar sought leave due to a personal engagement.

The 31-year-old also has Test cricket ambitions but says to get his mind and body in shape for the rigours of red-ball cricket, he needs time.

“There is preparation involved in everything we do,” Chahar said on JioCinema. “If you look at it, my preparation was good for the Ranji Trophy and also for the IPL (last season). I will not be able to play a Test match if I am suddenly informed that I’ll play a Test. For that matter, no one else probably can. If I am told one month in advance, then I’ll prepare accordingly. I will increase my workload accordingly. I have the swing, I have the ideas, it’s just that I’ll need a month to prepare. I would love to play Tests for India.”

Chahar is known for his ability to swing the new ball and take wickets with it.

He’s been in good form with the ball and the bat, having taken 6/41 against Gujarat and scored 66 not out against Arunachal in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy for Rajasthan before he was called up in India’s T20I squad.

Talking about the type of pitches he prefers, Chahar said, “I like all pitches except those that only favour batsmen. I prefer pitches that are either slow or those that have some grass. On those with grass, it’s guaranteed that you will be hit in the later stages. The slower pitches don’t have grip, so I prefer them because swing, I can extract in the air.”

“I rely a lot on my slower balls and have also worked on new variations. I bowl the knuckleball. I now have developed a nice leg-cutter. The off-cutter works well for me. Also, I have worked on the slower bouncer,” he added.