IPL 2022: Irfan Pathan Names Youngster Who Can Replace Deepak Chahar In CSK's Playing XI

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels youngster Rajvardhan Hangargekar can replace Deepak Chahar in Chennai Super Kings’ team for IPL 2022. Chahar, who was bought by CSK for a whopping sum of INR 14 crores, sustained a hamstring injury during the final T20I match against West Indies.

Chahar was subsequently ruled out of the Sri Lanka series and if reports are likely to believe then the 29-year-old pacer will miss the major part of IPL 2022.

Deepak Chahar doubtful for IPL 2022

Chahar has played 58 IPL matches for CSK in four seasons and picked 58 wickets at an economy rate of 7.70.  The Rajasthan pacer has been Dhoni’s crucial bowler in the PowerPlay overs and makes the best use of his ability to swing the ball.

Rajvardhan Hangargekar can get a chance to play in place of Deepak Chahar: Irfan Pathan

Hangargerkar is one of the rising stars in India’s victorious U19 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean where he picked five wickets in the tournament. The 19-year-old Maharashtra pacer can bowl at the speed of 142kph and Irfan believes the prodigious talented player should be considered as Chahar’s replacement. The former Indian player also lauded CSK for going after the same set of players in the auction who have brought laurels to the franchise over the years.

“Chennai will be hoping for Chahar’s return and it will be interesting to see how Hangargekar performs. He’s got that talent and can get a chance to play in place of Chahar. Apart from talent, experience also matters a lot in the IPL and Chennai have done a good job in retaining their old players,” Irfan said on Star Sports. 

“They have got a settled team for this season. They bought back names like Uthappa, Rayudu and Bravo to join their retained set of players comprising Dhoni, Ali, Jadeja and Ruturaj.

“It will be important for Chennai to see how much cricket have their players played in recent times. The focus will be on Dhoni and Uthappa-Rayudu as well. Also, Shivam Dube will also look forward to perform after shifting his base from Bangalore,” he added. 

Chennai Super Kings are the defending champions of the IPL 2021 and they will take on their fellow finalists Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of the new season on March 26 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: IPL: 5 Best Batters In Chennai Super Kings’ IPL History