Deepak Chahar Makes Impeccable Return To International Cricket; Grabs 3 Top Order Wickets In First Spell

ZIM vs IND 1st ODI: After getting sold for a record amount in the IPL auction, Deepak Chahar sustained an injury in February 2022, which put him out of action for the IPL and for 7 months off the field. However, the bowling all-rounder made an impeccable return as he grabbed 3 top-order wickets for India against Zimbabwe in the 1st ODI. 

All eyes were on returning players KL Rahul and Deepak Chahar as India took the field in the 1st ODI at Harare. Captain KL Rahul handed the first over to Deepak Chahar, to exploit the swing bowling conditions early on. Chahar conceded 1 run in the first over along with four leg byes. 

KL Rahul continued the bowling attack with Deepak Chahar at one end and Mohammad Siraj on the other as these two were the only two bowlers used till the 14th over. Chahar struck with the opening wicket in the 7th over where he dismissed in-form Zimbabwe opener Innocent Kaia (4). 

On the 4th delivery of the over, Chahar banged the delivery in short and just outside off. Kaia was cramped for room on the pull but went through with the shot anyway, getting a thick top-edge that went to the right of the keeper. Samson, behind the wickets, moved across and then juggle but was alert enough to complete the catch on the second chance. 

In the 9th over, Chahar pitched the first delivery up and swung with the angle. Tadiwanashe Marumani's feet were stuck as he went after the drive, managing a genuine edge and Samson completed the catch behind the stumps. Marumani was dismissed after scoring 8 runs in 22 balls with a four. 

Chahar grabbed his third wicket in the form of Wesley Madhevere (5) in the 11th over. Chahar bowled a jaffa of delivery on the first ball, spearing it full and straight and got it to move away just a touch. Madhevere looked to flick it to the on side but lost his balance and was struck adjacent to the stumps, and was given out by the umpire. Madhevere scored just 5 runs in 12 balls before getting out. Chahar dismissed the top three batters of the Zimbabwe batting lineup and made an impactful return to cricket. 

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While writing this piece, Zimbabwe are struggling at 76/5 in 19 overs, with captain Regis Chakabva (24*) and Ryan Burl (6*) at the crease. For team India, Deepak Chahar picked up 3 wickets while Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna managed 1 wicket each. Earlier, India captain KL Rahul won the toss & opted to bat first against Zimbabwe in the 1st ODI. This match is being played at Harare Sports Club, Harare.