Cricket enthusiasts were surprised to find Deepak Chahar absent from India’s playing XI for the first ODI against South Africa in Lucknow. India captain Shikhar Dhawan, after winning the toss in a rain-delayed 40-over match, opted to field first, citing moisture on the pitch as a key factor in his decision. The playing conditions, influenced by unexpected weather delays, ultimately shaped the team selection for both sides.
Deepak Chahar's Absence Explained: Why the Indian Cricket Star is Not Playing Today's ODI Match
Dhawan highlighted the team’s composition, stating, “We got six batters and five bowlers playing. Two spinners and three pacers.” This strategic balance indicated India’s approach to the match, favoring a spin-heavy attack alongside three frontline fast bowlers. South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, echoed similar sentiments, revealing he would have also preferred to field first, underscoring the perceived advantage of bowling in the prevailing conditions at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium.
India has made four changes to their lineup since their last ODI match against Zimbabwe in August. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mohammed Siraj were included in the playing XI, replacing KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, and Deepak Chahar. Notably, this ODI marked the debut for both Gaikwad and Bishnoi in this format.
The inclusion of Avesh Khan ahead of Deepak Chahar might raise eyebrows for some fans. While captain Dhawan wasn’t directly questioned about Chahar’s exclusion during the toss interview, the most plausible explanation appears to be that Chahar is being rested. This rest comes shortly after his participation in the third T20I against South Africa in Indore. Considering the tight scheduling and workload management, resting Chahar, a key player in India’s white-ball setup, could be a strategic decision to prevent player burnout and manage fitness.
Despite being part of the playing XI in the T20I series just days prior, both Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj featured in this ODI, showcasing the dynamic nature of team selections based on format and conditions. The absence of both Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur, who are known for their all-round capabilities, does leave the Indian batting lineup slightly thin at the lower order. With Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mohammed Siraj slated to bat from No. 7 downwards, India’s batting depth becomes somewhat reliant on the top and middle order performing consistently. Ultimately, Deepak Chahar’s absence today seems to stem from a combination of workload management, team balance preferences favoring specific bowling combinations for the Lucknow pitch, and potentially providing opportunities to other players in the squad.
