MI leggie Rahul Chahar asked to bowl quicker on the fast lane
The 19-year-old Chahar, cousin of Chennai Super Kings pacer Deepak, goes down the memory lane to discuss his journey.
Published : Apr 27, 2019 10:35 IST
Mumbai Indians leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, who had a breakout season for the franchise in IPL 2019, revealed the secret to his success after the 46-run win against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Friday.
The 19-year-old from Bharatpur in Rajasthan took his baby steps into wrist spin by studying Australian spin legend Shane Warne.
“When I was a kid, my uncle used to get me DVDs of Warne. I was eight then. I started bowling looking at Warne,” he told reporters after the high-octane clash.
Chahar is slightly quicker in the air. “I was told to be quick as the generation was changing. If I turn the ball a little slow, it may not work.”
It has not been an easy ride for Chahar. He warmed the bench for the entire 2018 season. When given the opportunities this season, the spinner justified his selection as he claimed nine wickets at an economy of 6.43.
“I learnt a lot of things from Shane Bond, and now, Zaheer Khan is also here. He helped me a lot too. Both of them gave me confidence during nets,” he said.
Chahar is excited to see his skipper, Rohit Sharma, back to form. The right-hander smashed a 48-ball 67 to guide his side to 155 while CSK folded for 109.
“It was very important for us to win this one. The wicket of Shane Watson was crucial. Now that there are crucial games ahead, it was important for him [Rohit] to strike form. He can win you matches single-handedly.”