IPL 2022: Relief for CSK! Deepak Chahar likely to return from injury mid-April – Report

March 9, 2022

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans’ hearts had sunk as the reports of Deepak Chahar missing the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season had emerged. However, it now seems like the INR 14 crore buy will be available to join the squad mid-season.
As per a report in the Times of India, Chahar had to undergo surgery to treat a quadricep tear that he had incurred. However, it now seems like surgery wouldn’t be required, and hence, the paceman would be available from mid-April.
Chahar is already at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for his 8-week long rehab. CSK are hopeful to have Chahar join their camp in the next couple of weeks, having begun their preparations for the new campaign in Surat already.
Though there’s no plan to rush Chahar into action, CSK are monitoring his development at every step and are hoping to have their big purchase from the mega auction fit and firing after a few weeks.
After MRI scans were conducted, Chahar was advised to go under the knife but the pacer decided against doing so. The 29-year-old, like most Indian seamers, is eyeing a place in India’s team for the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Had he decided to undergo surgery, he would’ve missed the entire IPL, denting his chances of T20 World Cup participation.
Barring Chahar, CSK don’t have a top-quality Indian seamer in the squad for the IPL 2022 season. In Chahar’s absence, the onus will be on overseas pacers and Indian youngsters to step up and absorb the pressure.

Chahar, hence, took the bold call of continuing his rehab without undergoing surgery. Then, an 8-week long rehab was suggested, post which the pacer is expected to be available for selection.
CSK have also roped in Irish pacer Josh Little as a net bowler. Cricket Ireland announced the news on Twitter saying, “Congrats to Josh Little who is heading off on a development opportunity with the Chennai Super Kings in the early stages of the upcoming IPL. The experience as a net bowler for CSK should be fantastic.”