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With dreams of playing Tests, Deepak Chahar backs Shikhar Dhawan as captain for Lanka tour

India limited-overs pacer Deepak Chahar believes that Shikhar Dhawan should be made the captain for the team’s upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Chahar, who had a good outing in the Indian Premier League (8 wickets in 7 games) before the tournament was suspended is also hopeful that the Indian team would be victorious on the tour of the island nation. 

"Shikhar bhai will be a good choice (for captain),” the Rajasthan man told Times of India. He further argued that not only is Shikhar in a good form but also has a lot of experience to gain players’ respect in the team. “He has been playing for a long time and has a lot of experience. For me, a senior person should become a captain. Because players see that player as a senior and respect him and obey him with honesty. Players should respect their captain. He (Dhawan) will be a good choice,” said Chahar. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India, after the suspension of IPL due to a rise in Covid cases in India, decided that a second strung Indian team would be sent to Sri Lanka in July. At the same time, the main team led by Virat Kohli would be on a tour of England for the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand and the subsequent five-match Test series against the host country. 

It has been a matter of debate as to who among  Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer (if fully recovered) and Prithvi Shaw should be given the opportunity to lead the second-string Indian side on the Lankan shores. Although it is not yet decided team India is likely to play three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is on the tour. 

Chahar, who is predominantly a swing bowler and burst onto the scene with his red ball exploits on Ranji Trophy wishes to make his Test debut for India sometime in near future as well. 

Wishing the best to the Test team in England, Chahar who has 126 First-Class wickets in 45 games with 8/10 as his best said, "Bowling in English conditions has its own charm. I have played in England and I have enjoyed bowling there. I am sure the selectors will give me a chance someday.”

“I have played T20Is and ODIs and I have to prove myself a lot in these two formats and I hope I make it to the Test team someday. I look forward to playing Tests for the country," said the 28-year-old who has represented India in 13 T20Is and three ODIs and also holds the record for the best figures in T20Is. He took six wickets for seven runs against Bangladesh in Nagpur in a game played at Nagpur. 

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Shocked and dismayed, Sri Lankan players refuse to sign unfair central contracts

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Greg Chappell feels that Rahul Dravid's vision wasn't backed by his teammates

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