Rahul Chahar hopes to turn into an all-rounder

CHENNAI: Rahul Chahar has been bamboozling many a batter with his vicious leg spinners, but the India international is eager to add value to his game by improving his batting.

Rahul’s next target is to turn into a “genuine all-rounder” and the 23-year-old has been going the extra mile to become a multi-utility player. He gave a taste of his batting abilities in the Indian Premier League 2022, during which he used the big blade to decent effect for his franchise Punjab Kings.

“I started focusing a lot on my batting, especially after the 2021 T20 World Cup (which he was a part of). I got dropped from the India team. Before the IPL, I batted for two to three hours per day for two months at home, with the help of a bowling machine. I was hitting sixes. I am still working on it,” said Rahul, currently on India ‘A’ duty for the three-match one-day series against New Zealand ‘A’ here.

“The [Punjab] coaches saw me bat in the nets. They felt that I was an all-rounder. Jonty Rhodes (assistant coach) said: ‘You are not a bowler. You are an all-rounder. Focus on your batting. You can bat.’ After that, I realised I can bat too,” added Rahul, who has been away from the international scene for about 10 months.

“After the IPL, many people got to know that I can bat as well. When I was at Mumbai Indians for four years, I never got many chances to bat. If I can bat well, it will be a plus point for me. If I become an all-rounder, I will be different [from other spinners].”

Asked if he is desperate to return to the national fold, Rahul replied: “I do not feel anything. I need to do my job whenever I get an opportunity. That is always my focus. I do not get frustrated. If I do well, I will get the chance [in the India squad].”