MS Dhoni's Belief Gave me the Confidence to Perform Well - Deepak Chahar

Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Deepak Chahar said MS Dhoni’s belief helped him in performing well in the IPL 2018.

The 25-year old Rajasthan bowler scalped ten wickets in the 12 matches he played for the Men in Yellow in IPL. In fact, Chahar bowled most of his overs in the powerplay conditions. Thus, he took all his wickets in the first six overs.

However, this is not the first time that Chahar played under the watchful eyes of MS Dhoni. The swing bowler had also played for Rising Pune Supergiant in the past.

Chahar was able to get the ball to move both ways.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni knows the formula of getting the best out of his players. Dhoni is always to known to back the young players, and thus Chahar was able to borne fruits for the Chennai franchise.

Deepak Chahar said while talking to TOI, “I did well in Ranji and other domestic tournaments and therefore, got selected to play in IPL in 2011. I wasn’t able to perform well in the tournament then, thanks to my injuries. Last year, I got selected to play for Rising Pune Supergiant, but never got a chance to play on the field. So this year, when I got selected for Chennai Super Kings, I made sure to utilize this opportunity. MS Dhoni’s belief in me gave me the confidence to perform well. I am happy that years of hard work and struggle finally paid off. It was a wonderful feeling to lift the trophy.”

Chahar who impressed with his swing and pace added Dhoni makes the younger players more comfortable in the dressing room. Dhoni is known to maintain the right atmosphere in the Chennai camp.

Chahar added, “It is a lot of fun inside the dressing room where senior and junior players laugh together. Dhoni sir especially takes care of youngsters and always sits with us when senior players are sitting on the other table. He cracks jokes, makes fun of you and ensures that your morale is never low. He believes in young cricketers and this gives them the confidence to do better.”

The fast bowler went on to add he has gained popularity after playing in the Indian Premier League. Chahar said there is a lot of difference after playing in the IPL.

Chahar mostly bowled in the Powerplay overs.

“I have played a lot of first-class cricket, but it is only after playing in IPL that my life has changed for good. Earlier, people knew me only within the cricket circle but now I have become popular among the masses as well,” Chahar added.

Deepak gave credit to his father for his success in the IPL. Chahar went on to add he has achieved this success because of his father.

“Whatever I am today, it is all because of my father. He is my biggest support, he has always stood by my side. He’s the one who introduced Rahul and me to the game and since then he has been working hard for us,” Chahar concluded.