Sanjay Manjrekar calls Deepak Chahar ‘current Bhuvneshwar Kumar’

As the Indian cricket team began their three-match ODI campaign against Zimbabwe on Thursday, August 18, Deepak Chahar quickly made the headlines. Team India’s selections for the tour received stark criticism from several pundits before, however, Chahar’s memorable performance on Thursday gave the selectors the bragging rights.

The right-handed pacer made his India comeback after six months and began in a mesmerising fashion against Zimbabwe. He claimed three wickets, including both of the opponent’s openers, before they could score double digits. Following that, the rest of the Chevrons’ batting order fell quickly.

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Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, in an exclusive conversation at Sports 18’s Sports Over The Top show, termed Chahar with Bhuvneshwar Kumar of recent times. The pundit also revealed that he thinks the BCCI is testing Deepak Chahar with the future on mind.

“I think they’re testing waters with Deepak Chahar more because of his fitness and if he has a sensational 50-overs series which is likely to happen, because this guy over the years when you see him in T20 international cricket,” he opined.

Manjrekar also pointed out Chahar’s earlier performance representing India and lauded his ability to swing both ways.

“I mean he’s got some phenomenal numbers. If you remember in T20 international cricket. So, he is your Bhuvneshwar Kumar of today. The younger version of Bhuvneshwar Kumar who can swing the ball both ways, to begin with,” he quipped.

The 57-year-pundit also said that while Deepak Chahar might not be an ideal death over bowler, he is developing that skill slowly as well.

Manjrekar also urged the BCCI to keep an eye out for Chahar while selecting the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup in the show.

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The former India cricketer also spoke about Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan, both of whom are part of the visiting squad to Zimbabwe. The commentator feels that Gill and Dhawan should open, something that the pair also did against West Indies earlier in August.

“Shikhar Dhawan will open. Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad are the other guys who will be pushing KL Rahul and you know the team management as options,” he said.

However, Manjrekar also suggested that Shubman Gill can also bat at no.3, including in Test cricket.