Deepak Chahar emerged as India’s latest match-winner as the Agra-born played a superb knock under pressure against Sri Lanka in the second One Day International (ODI) match. Chahar’s unbeaten 69* runs of 82 deliveries helped the Asian Giants clinch the three-match series 2-0.
Chasing a decent target of 276, India didn’t get to the desired start and were later struggling at 193/7. However, Chahar and Suryakumar Yadav scored brilliant half-centuries with valuable contributions from Manish Pandey, Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. As a result, India registered a win with three wickets in hand during the ultimate over.
Chahar also won the ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-round performance in the game. During the post-match presentation ceremony, the right-hander stated that he had always dreamt of playing such a knock for his side.
“It was hot there, we did well there. Got two wickets. We managed to stop them at 270. It was a decent score [to chase] on this wicket. Only one thing that was going on in my mind: this is the kind of innings I’ve been dreaming of. No better way to win the match for the country,” Deepak Chahar said.
“Rahul Sir thinks I’m good enough to be a number 7”
Deepak Chahar also talked about the confidence that coach Rahul Dravid had shown in him while promoting his batting position. The duo has worked together a lot during India ‘A’ tours.
Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had also revealed that Dravid took the decision of sending Chahar ahead of him in the batting order.
“Rahul sir told me to play all the balls. I’ve played a few innings with India A and I think he has belief in me. He told me he thinks I’m good enough to be a number 7. He has belief in me.
Hopefully, in the coming matches I don’t have to bat. When we came under 50 is when I believed we could win. Before that, it was ball by ball. I took some risks after,” he signed off.
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