Mumbai Indians’ Deepak Chahar Reveals Shocking Truth About IPL Pitches: ‘No Swing Anymore’
NEW DELHI: In a candid revelation ahead of Mumbai Indians’ clash with Delhi Capitals, pace spearhead Deepak Chahar has highlighted a dramatic shift in IPL pitch conditions that has left bowlers grappling for solutions. According to Chahar, the once swing-friendly wickets of the early IPL seasons have vanished, forcing bowlers to reinvent their strategies in a batter-dominated era.
During a pre-match press conference, the 31-year-old reflected on how the game has evolved since his debut. ‘In the early years, from 2009 to 2011, wickets used to offer significant swing, giving bowlers an edge. But now, the ball barely moves off the seam or in the air. Add to that the deeper batting line-ups—teams bat aggressively down to No. 7 or 8—and the game has become far more challenging for us,’ Chahar explained.
The right-arm pacer, who has claimed 4 wickets in 5 matches this season, also pointed to the transformative ‘Impact Player’ rule as a game-changer. ‘Teams now aim for 70 runs in the powerplay as a standard. Take Punjab Kings, for instance—they were 80 for 5 against Sunrisers Hyderabad recently and still posted over 200. That’s the kind of fearless mindset this rule has instilled. Bowlers have no choice but to adapt and elevate their skills,’ he added.
Chahar didn’t shy away from praising his teammate and India’s pace sensation, Jasprit Bumrah, who made a remarkable return from a serious back injury this season. ‘Bumrah and I have shared conversations about our injury struggles. He knows what I’ve been through, and I understand his journey. But what sets him apart is his mental strength. Even in his comeback game, his rhythm was flawless. His ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers and bouncers after such a long break is nothing short of extraordinary,’ Chahar said. Bumrah, for the record, has already scalped 10 wickets in 6 matches in IPL 2024, proving why he’s regarded as one of the world’s best.
Shifting focus to team dynamics, Chahar, who previously played for Chennai Super Kings before joining Mumbai Indians, offered insights into the contrasting yet successful cultures of both franchises. ‘Both teams have a winning mentality, but their approaches differ. One relies on detailed planning and frequent meetings, while the other trusts instinct and spontaneity. Yet, at their core, both prioritize backing players and focusing on the process, which is why they’ve dominated the IPL historically,’ he noted. Mumbai Indians, with 5 IPL titles, and CSK, also with 5 titles, are the most successful teams in the league’s history.
Chahar also lauded Mumbai Indians’ knack for talent scouting, a cornerstone of their sustained success. ‘Mumbai has an incredible eye for domestic talent. They’ve unearthed gems like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Krunal Pandya at base prices before they became household names. Their strength lies in identifying potential early and nurturing it. Even if a player lacks a big reputation, playing for Mumbai transforms them,’ he concluded.
As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Chahar’s comments shed light on the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where bowlers must innovate to survive in a format increasingly tilted towards batters. With Mumbai Indians gearing up to face Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium, fans will be eager to see if Chahar and Bumrah can defy the odds on a pitch that, by his own admission, offers little assistance.