Deepak Chahar, the star cricketer for Chennai Super Kings and Team India, credited the free-spirited attitude of the Indian players before making their international debut, to the financial safety provided by the IPL money. He also talked about how the Indian Premier League helps the youngsters to face the pressure of competing in front of a large crowd, which benefits the Indian cricket in the long run.
The 30-year old cricketer, who is in the midst of a stop start IPL 2023 season, has played nine out of possible 15 matches for Chennai Super Kings thus far. He has picked up 12 wickets at an economy of 8.63, all dismissals coming in his last five games.
In a chat with Gaurav Kapur on the recent episode of Breakfast with Champions, Deepak Chahar shared his thoughts about how IPL has made cricketers in India financially independent, while sharing examples of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav to drive home his point. He was quoted as saying, “(With IPL), you don’t have financial crises. Today, the youngsters don’t face financial crises when they play for India. They are well paid in the IPL.”
“So, players like Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar (Yadav), can hit a six in the first ball in international cricket. Or else, no one would have dared to hit a six on the first ball,” remarked Chahar.
The Rajasthan-based cricketer also detailed how the Indian Premier League makes the youngsters handle pressure of playing matches, while a lot of people watch them in the stadiums. He said, “I say this everywhere. What IPL has given to the Indian cricket team and players, means a lot. First of all, it’s a great platform. You are playing before the audience for the first time, in front of 40,000-50,000 people. That pressure, not everyone can handle everything. Now one witnesses that pressure in the IPL.”
“The one who is playing in the IPL, the pressure here is similar to the India cricket team. In fact, you are more motivated there, because you are playing for the country. You are more motivated and give your 100 per cent there,” opined the CSK player.