Uncapped Chahar Lends Pace in Practice
With India trailing 1–2 in the five‑match series, veteran seamer Deepak Chahar—despite being out of favour in the official XI—bowled a spirited full‑tilt session in nets during India’s final optional training before the series‑deciding Test at The Oval in London 0.
Backdrop: Bowlers Under Pressure
India’s main strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been rested after completing just three of five allotted Tests in England due to workload management. His availability for the Oval Test remained doubtful despite bowling in prior matches 1.
Chahar’s Net Session Details
In a viral video, Chahar was seen in non‑India gear, rolling his arm over at speed for about half an hour—helping the team’s batters acclimatize to pace and bounce at Oval’s seam-friendly track. His unexpected presence underscores India’s intent to prepare extensively despite personnel constraints 2.
Timeline & Team Dynamics
- Late July 2025: India drew the fourth Test at Manchester, keeping series alive.
- July 30: Final optional training at The Oval before the fifth Test.
- July 31: Deepak Chahar bowls in nets; match starts same day; team makes four changes.
With Bumrah sidelined, Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack. South African legend Dale Steyn expressed confidence in Siraj, predicting a potential five‑wicket haul in the crucial encounter 3.
Quiz‑Ready Facts & Stats
- Deepak Chahar has yet to play a red‑ball Test for India but has assisted significantly in practice.
- India have capped Bumrah for only three Tests in this series due to workload limits.
- The fifth Test at The Oval offers seam and swing conditions, ideal for fast bowlers.
- Dale Steyn backed Siraj to shine in place of Bumrah.
Why It Matters
Chahar stepping into the nets—despite not being in the playing XI—reflects India’s strategic depth and adaptability. With England’s pitch favoring seam and India missing their lead pacer, additional support from someone like Chahar could be vital in preparing the team for high‑pace challenges.
Conclusion
As India gear up to level the series, Chahar’s net session adds a compelling subplot. While his inclusion in the match squad remains unlikely, his presence underscores the lengths to which the team is going to optimize preparation under challenging circumstances.
Source: Ndtv