IPL 2022 | CSK's exorbitant Deepak Chahar ruled out of edition

In what has been a shocking turn of events, Chennai Super Kings have faced a fatal blow right before their game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore as star all-rounder Deepak Chahar has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 after sustaining a back injury at the NCA.

Deepak who earlier picked up a quadricep tear against West Indies this February was on his rehab at the NCA and was slated to make a comeback in the second half of the IPL. However, according to the latest reports the player has suffered yet another injury and has been ruled out of the ongoing edition of the tournament.

The extent of the injury is yet to be ascertained as it has been learnt that the Super Kings management is yet to get a formal report from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Chahar has been in the NCA for over a month now in order to recover from the quadricep tear injury he suffered during the T20I series against the West Indies on home soil back in February.

Initially, reports had suggested that Deepak would miss a significant chunk of the 15th season, but the Super Kings were hopeful of his comeback at some point. Back injuries typically take a considerable time to heal. With a packed international season, including the T20 World Cup, ahead, the BCCI would want all its cricketers in prime fitness.

As for Chennai, they have tried the likes of Tushar Deshpande and Mukesh Choudhary with little success. However, with Chahar being ruled out, they could resort to giving chances to the likes of Rajvardhan Hangarkekar or KM Asif in the upcoming games.

Chahar, who made his debut for the Chennai franchise back in 2018, has been a vital cog in their success in their triumphant seasons of 2018 and 2021. Though the franchise did not retain him, the defending champions broke the bank to regain his services as they shelled out a whopping Rs 14 Crores at the mega-auction.

The effect of Chahar's absence can already be seen, with Chennai struggling to pick up wickets in the powerplay in each of their four matches, something he was quite exceptional at.

While Chennai bowlers have managed just two wickets across 24 powerplay overs at an economy rate of 8.62, Chahar has taken 42 wickets in 58 innings at an economy rate of 7.6 during the same phase.

The Super Kings have lost four-in-four and will lock horns with the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday evening to pursue their maiden win of the season.