India pacer Deepak Chahar rocks on return, leaves Zimbabwe reeling at 31-4 in 1st ODI
India Cricket
Deepak Chahar; the pacer for The Chennai Super Kings made a remarkable come back to the International Cricket after a long injury lay-off. He returns to the stadium like nothing happened and maintained their consistency as India outrun Zimbabwe by 10 wickets on the opening of One Day International (ODI), in Harare on Thursday.
The game scores were close at first, yet after the situation turns around for the Indians Team as the in-form opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan (81 not out) and Shubman Gill (82 not out) knocked off the target in just 30.5 overs.
With skipper KL Rahul foregoing his spot at the top of the order to let the in-form pair maintain its momentum, Dhawan and Gill scored their third half-centuries in last four games. Not to mention, it was their third century-plus stand from the start of the West Indies series. Their lowest opening partnership had yielded 48 runs in second ODI in Caribbean.
Rahul is playing his first competitive match since featuring in IPL 2022 in May this year. A groin injury subsequently led to sports hernia surgery and testing positive for Covid-19 meant the right-handed batsman had to spend lengthy time on the sidelines.
Alongside Rahul both Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson are in the playing eleven, with the latter to be the wicket-keeper.
“Looks like a good wicket, it’s an early start, so could have a bit of moisture. Good opportunity to bowl first and exploit the first hour. A lot of guys have got opportunities, good chance to challenge yourself and your skills. Looking forward to a good show. He (Deepak Chahar) was unfortunate to miss out for a long time, excited for a few coming back after injuries,” said Rahul.
None of the Zimbabwe batters looked comfortable during those opening overs as Chahar got a lot of deliveries to dart back late while some straightened after pitching.
Zimbabwe skipper Regis Chakabva remarked that he was looking to bowl first as well. He added that Tadiwanashe Marumani will open with Innocent Kaia and Richard Ngarava is in the playing eleven as well. Also in the eleven is all-rounder Sean Williams, who wasn’t in the initial squad due to personal reasons.
