It will be a big blow for the four-time IPL champions if Deepak Chahar is not available for the upcoming season of IPL. Dhoni and co. went all-out for the Rajasthan pacer as they need the leader of their bowling lineup.
But, it seems like he might miss the whole season thanks to a hamstring injury he suffered during the T20I series against West Indies. He also had to miss the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Chahar is currently rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) but the reports are suggested that he will miss the majority season. In our article, we take a look at five bowlers who could replace Deepak Chahar if he is unavailable for IPL 2022.
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Ishant Sharma
The right-arm veteran Indian pacer, Ishant Sharma could not attract any buyers at the mega-auction. With the experience, he has in the IPL and the T20 format, he can be a perfect replacement for Deepak.
Unlike other franchises, Chennai Super Kings always backs the experienced cricketers. Having already played a good amount of cricket with Ishant, the skipper knows how to bring the best out of him.
Dhawal Kulkarni
Dhawal Kulkarni, the Mumbai pacer is one of the experienced bowlers in the cash-rich T20 league. However, he has gone unsold in the auction that took place in February.
He is one of the few bowlers in the Indian circuit, who could swing the ball with the new ball and launch perfect yorkers in the death overs. Kulkarni, who has played for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions, can be an ideal replacement for Chahar.
Arzan Nagwaswalla
Arzan Nagwasalla has been knocking selector’s door thanks to his impressive domestic performances. He was a part of the reserves of India’s squad for the WTC Final against New Zealand and the England tour.
With the left-arm pacers being demanded in the IPL, CSK might not waste much time to sign him if Deepak is ruled out of the IPL. Arzan would look to give his best if he gets a chance to play under MS Dhoni.
Sandeep Warrier
The left-arm pacer, Sandeep Warrier made his T20 International debut in 2021 against Sri Lanka. Though he has not played again for his country, he is still one of the premium pacers in domestic cricket.
He had a great domestic season in the last couple of seasons. With the games to be played in Maharashtra where the pacers get help from the pitch, he will be fit into Chennai’s bowling attack.
Akash Singh
The left-arm fast bowler from Rajasthan, Akash Singh was a part of India’s U19 set up during the U19 World Cup 2021. Akash, who had an impressive tournament, could be a good replacement pick for Chennai Super Kings.
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He could provide some vital breakthroughs with his raw pace and the franchise will expect the same if Deepak Chahar is unavailable for the IPL 2022. Akash would be looking to impress everyone if he manages to play the IPL.