Punjab Kings have never won IPL. His best performance in IPL history was in the 2014 season (under the captaincy of George Bailey), when he entered the final, but lost the title by 3 wickets to a team led by Gautam Gambhir. Kolkata Knight Riders Team.
In a recent interview TimesofIndia.comChahar talks about Punjab’s chances of winning their maiden title this season.
Chahar, who took inspiration from the great Shane Warne, has taken 7 wickets in the 4 matches he has played so far this season. He is the highest wicket-taker for Punjab in the 15th edition so far.
TimesofIndia.com Caught up with Chahar for an exclusive interview and spoke about his IPL experience so far, under Anil Kumble’s tutelage at Punjab Kings, his idol Shane Warne and more.
Do you think Punjab Kings can win the title this time?
We have a 100 percent chance of winning our first title this time. Looking at our team combination and the performance of our batsmen, Punjab Kings can win the trophy this time.
Image credits: BCCI/IPL/ANI
Shane Warne is someone you admire. have you ever met him?
When I was 8 years old, I used to watch videos of Shane Warne and try to copy his action. He has been my role model since childhood. I always wanted to meet him once, but never got a chance. I was with Mumbai Indians when he was the mentor of Rajasthan Royals. I tried to meet him during an MI vs RR match but couldn’t.
As a spinner you have scored valuable runs for the team. What is your view on the trend of bowlers (spinners and fast bowlers) these days working more and more on their batting to become more effective players for their teams…
There’s a lot of competition. You have to be really good in every department to be in the Indian team. You need to be perfect in all three departments. I think if I can be perfect in all three departments, then only I will be able to play for India. I am working very hard. I am trying to be perfect in all three departments. Batting has become very important these days. Be it T20, ODI or Test every player should know how to score runs.
You have played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Mumbai Indians and now Punjab Kings. How has been your IPL experience so far?
It’s been 4-5 years for me in IPL. This is my third team. It has been a huge learning experience for me. My first team (Rising Pune Supergiant) had Dhoni bhaiya. Imran Tahir was present. I learned a lot from Dhoni Bhaiya and Tahir. I spent 4 years with Mumbai Indians and got to learn a lot. I got a chance to play with big names like Kieron Pollard, Rohit SharmaJasprit Bumrah. Over time, the graph of my confidence and understanding of the game and the conditions has gone up. I love to learn and will continue to do so. IPL has helped me a lot.
Image credits: BCCI/IPL/PTI
What tips have you got from Anil Kumble in Punjab Kings?
It is a privilege for me to be with him after every net session. I try to learn a lot from them. I talk to him every day on a particular topic. The process is on and I am learning from him every day. He is a great player of the game and his bowling tips help me a lot. I am using every opportunity to learn from him.
Is it your goal to win the Purple Cap (for most wickets)?
Purple cap is not on my mind. All I want to do is to perform, contribute and win as much as I can for my team. That is the ultimate goal. I want to give match winning performances for my team by taking wickets and winning matches for Punjab Kings.