The Men in Blue kickstarted their Zimbabwe series with an impressive 10-wicket victory over the hosts at the Harare Sports Club. Deepak Chahar, who was returning after a long gap of 6 months, made a stunning comeback and played a vital role in India’s victory in the 1st ODI. However, coming into the 2nd ODI, he was replaced by all-rounder Shardul Thakur on Saturday.
Deepak Chahar bowled beautifully in the first game as he picked up three wickets for 27 with all of his wickets coming inside the powerplay that broke the top-order of Zimbabwe. Though he gave a Player of the Match performance in the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare, he was replaced by Shardul Thakur.
Speaking at the toss, India’s stand-in captain KL Rahul announced the changes, including Shardul Thakur coming in place of Deepak Chahar. He said: “We will bowl first. Looks a little better, looks a lot harder than the previous surface, and obviously bowling first there’s something in the wicket, hopefully, we get early wickets. We bowled really well and they batted well after the ball got old. Just one change – Chahar misses out, Thakur comes in,”
As KL Rahul didn’t reveal the reason why Deepak isn’t included in the playing XI of the 2nd ODI between India and Zimbabwe, curious fans on social media started speculating the reasons. While some fans slammed the Indian management for resting the player despite a wonderful performance, on the other hand, there were many who speculated whether the bowler has injured himself again.
Check out the reactions here:
No Deepak Chahar after such a good performance, that’s surprising. I hope this exclusion is not because of an injury or a niggle. #ZIMvIND
— Shamak Layeeq (@shamak_layeeq) August 20, 2022
No Deepak Chahar for 2nd ODI & Shardul Thakur is playing #ZIMvIND
— Rajesh Khilare (@Cricrajeshpk) August 20, 2022
Surprising that Deepak Chahar has been left out of the side after his match-winning performance.
— AVNISH TIWARI (@avnishtiwarii) August 20, 2022
Deepak Chahar rested for what?
Klol deserves belt treatment for real— Laddu (@cskitcell) August 20, 2022
India have made on change to their playing XI for the second ODI.
Shardul Thakur comes in for Deepak Chahar.
Not sure… whether it’s injury concern again or Chahar has been given rest. #ZIMvIND #deepakchahar #ShardulThakur pic.twitter.com/VkypKeWDMM
— Avinash Kr Atish (@AtishAvinash) August 20, 2022
Deepak Chahar phir se Injury ho gyi kya
— (•_•) (@DevManus07) August 20, 2022
Justice For Deepak Chahar. pic.twitter.com/BH2rvURoJk
— JayGawas (@JayGawas14) August 20, 2022
Deepak Chahar misses out today, reason not told. Maybe he did extremely well in the last game and ……
— Bhawana (@bhawnakohli5) August 20, 2022
Why Is Deepak Chahar Not Playing Today ????
He Is In Your Reserve For Asia Cup.
— Vaibhav Bhola
(@VibhuBhola) August 20, 2022
(@VibhuBhola)
Only one of them will remain in Team India— BCCI (@_BCCII) August 20, 2022
NEWS : KL Rahul deliberately didn’t play Deepak Chahar as he is jealous of him.Why would you rest Deepak Chahar unless He is injured? He needs match practice ahead of Asia Cup. https://t.co/UBHN9Bj6uc
— Aditya (@Adityakrsaha) August 20, 2022
Deepak Chahar rested for what?
Klol deserves belt treatment for real— Laddu (@cskitcell) August 20, 2022
India’s Playing XI:
Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul(c), Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson(w), Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
Zimbabwe’s Playing XI:
Innocent Kaia, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva(w/c), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Brad Evans, Victor Nyauchi, Tanaka Chivanga
