CSK is a dream come true for me: Deepak Chahar

Chennai Super Kings arrived for practice on Wednesday in an open top bus as thousands of joyful fans waved and screamed and thousands more turned up to watch the net session, giving Chepauk that ‘Den’ atmosphere usually felt during match days.

“It was an exciting and memorable experience,” said Deepak Chahar, echoing the sentiments of bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji who turned out as a player for the ‘Lions’ in the first three years of the Indian Premier League.

“Practising in front of such large crowds, it felt like a match day literally, like the IPL was already on, such was the passion that we felt...it was exhilarating,” added Chahar, who is one of the most promising pacers in the country.

The Rajasthan bowler emerged as the highest wickettaker in the 2017-18 National Twenty20 Championship with 19 wickets from nine games. “I’ve always wanted to play for CSK, so it’s a dream come true for me. I will be living my dream and I will be giving my 100 per cent,” continued Chahar, who turned out for Rising Pune Supergiant in the previous two seasons.

“I have already played under Mahi bhai (at RPS) but this is different, you can feel it. This is like his team, you know, he takes care of everything,” Chahar stated.

“There, as captain (in 2016) he took care of things on the field, but here he looks into everything... team bonding and if a player has any issues you can speak with him about it.”

“This time I guess I will further enjoy the experience of playing under Dhoni. Playing alongside him is always a learning experience and I’m sure I will do better than earlier.” Chahar first made headlines when he returned figures of 8-10 on Ranji Trophy debut to skittle out Hyderabad for 21 in 2010.

CSK will take on arch rival Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener at the Wankhede Stadium on April 7 and Deepak’s brother, Rahul, is a part of the opposition. “This is going to feel different. Let’s hope he plays and I play and see what happens,” he concluded with a smile.