Deepak Chahar eager to play IPL alongside Dhoni again

Rajasthan’s medium-pacer Deepak Chahar hopes to reunite with M. S. Dhoni in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Chahar, formerly with Dhoni-led Rising Pune Supergiant, will await his fate as he goes under the hammer at the auction this weekend.

Dhoni is set to lead Chennai Super Kings this season.

“It was a great learning experience from Dhoni. I not only shared the dressing room but his room as well - as anyone could walk in to his room which remained open 24 hours. He takes utmost care of the juniors, doesn’t hesitate to join us on dinner table. It helps the juniors so that they don’t develop a complex. I will look to play with him again,” Chahar said after Rajasthan’s tie against Punjab at Eden Gardens.

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Chahar has so far had a fruitful Twenty20 season with Rajasthan; he grabbed 12 wickets from four matches (including a career-best 5 for 15) in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Buoyed by his performance, Rajasthan reached its maiden final.

‘Extra effort’ ahead of auction

Chahar is aware his performance would be watched by the IPL franchises. “It will definitely help. Franchises keep a close watch on the Mushtaq Ali as it’s the same format,” Chahar said. “Obviously, you will put in that extra effort knowing that it’s a day before the auction.”

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Chahar returned with figures of 2 for 9 before limping off the field here with a niggle. Punjab won the match by five runs but could not make the final after finishing second to Rajasthan on net run-rate. Rajasthan will clash against a star-studded Delhi in the final at Eden Gardens on Friday and Chahar is aware of the significance of the match.

Delhi wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant, who has been retained by Delhi Daredevils, said, “I’m very excited. I’m already retained so I don’t have to think about the auction. My main aim is to keep performing and do well in every match.”