Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Deepak Chahar 'fully fit and preparing well for IPL'

Chahar has not played franchise or international cricket since December 2022 but returned from injury with Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy recently.

He bowled 20-plus overs in that first-class fixture and has since stated his intent to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 IPL.

"I have been working hard for the past two or three months on my fitness, I am fully fit and preparing well for the IPL," Chahar told PTI.

"I had two big injuries. One was a stress fracture and one was a quad grade three tear. They are both very big injuries. You are out for months. For anyone who comes back after injury, it takes time, especially for the fast bowlers.

"If I was a batter, I would be playing way back, but as a fast bowler, when you have a stress fracture, it is very tough to get back on track. You can see other bowlers struggling with the back as well."

The IPL started in 2008 and this year will have a sister tournament in the Women's Premier League.

"IPL changed men's cricket forever, people got a lot of opportunities. The same thing will happen with the Women's Premier League," added Chahar.

"Women's cricket will grow very fast as they will face international players very early in their careers. It will also help a lot of women cricketers who have not been able to make money and will fuel competition."