The Indian cricket community was puzzled when fast bowler Deepak Chahar was conspicuously absent from the national squad’s tour to South Africa. The tour, comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, was a significant event for the team, yet Chahar’s withdrawal prompted a flurry of speculation. Putting an end to all the rumors, Chahar recently revealed the deeply personal reason behind his decision.
In an interview with PTI, Chahar opened up about the difficult choice he faced when his father suffered a brain stroke before the series. Despite the prestige of representing his country on the cricket field, he chose to stand by his father’s side. “For me, my father comes first. I am here only because of him. Whatever I have achieved is because of my father. If I am not there for him in those situations, then obviously, what kind of son I am?” he explained to the press.
For Chahar, family outweighed his professional commitments. He elaborated on the practical considerations that influenced his decision, contrasting the possibility of playing in India with being overseas. “If the series was in India, then I would have surely tried to play. You can come to the hospital if you need within 4-5 hours. But obviously, [from] South Africa it takes 2-3 days to come back,” he said, reflecting on the geographical distance that would have separated him from his father during the series.
The speedster expressed how natural the choice was for him, underlining the universal value of family. “It was an easy decision to be with my father. Any son would do that,” he added, alluding to the shared bond and responsibility that many can empathize with.
The period following his father’s hospitalization was challenging. Deepak stayed with him for 25 days in a hospital in Aligarh. During this time, his commitment to family meant that his cricket training had to be put on hold. “I was with my father in the hospital for 25 days. He was admitted in Aligarh. We all had to stay there,” he recounted. Chahar was limited to basic exercises and had no opportunity to engage in cricketing activities. Consequently, he “wasn’t ready” for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which followed shortly after India’s tour of South Africa.
However, the 31-year-old made use of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) facilities to get back in shape. “After that I went to the NCA. I started my practice again and now I am fully fit. Everything is good. I trained really hard for the IPL and the World Cup,” Chahar said, signaling his return to peak physical fitness.
Looking ahead, Chahar is setting his sights on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. He is well aware of the strategic importance of a bowler who is also capable with the bat. “There is always a requirement for a bowler who can bat at Nos. 7, 8, 9” in the fast-paced format of T20 cricket, he detailed, intent on proving his value in achieving the right squad balance for future tournaments.
Chahar’s story is one of dedication and balance. While cricket is his profession and passion, it’s the personal commitments that truly shape his priorities. His father’s health scare brought to light the cricketer’s deep-rooted family values, earning him a great deal of respect both on and off the field. Now back to full fitness, Chahar is eager to resume his cricketing journey, with the love and support of his father propelling him forward toward new heights in his career.
