Chennai Super Kings' pacer Deepak Chahar is set for another extended period on the sidelines after picking up a suspected hamstring injury during the team's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 match against Mumbai Indians. Chahar bowled just five balls in his opening over at the Wankhede Stadium before feeling discomfort in his leg, and he left the field without taking any further part in the game.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the swing bowler faces an extended period on the sidelines due to the injury. Meanwhile, the CSK franchise issued a statement on Chahar's injury, stating that the pacer will undergo scans to identify the extent of the injury once the team returns to Chennai. The CSK medical staff is closely monitoring the player and will provide all necessary support for his recovery.
Chahar, who was signed by the four-time champions for INR 14 crores, missed the entire 2022 season and a significant portion of the cricketing calendar due to a back injury. He sustained the back injury while rehabilitating from a right quadricep injury picked up on India duty in February last year.
In addition, CSK's star player Ben Stokes is also likely to be sidelined for at least a week due to a minor toe injury. The toe injury forced Stokes to miss the match against Mumbai Indians, and he is unlikely to feature in the home game against Rajasthan Royals on April 12. There is a possibility of his return in the away fixture against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 17.
Stokes played in Chennai Super Kings' first two matches of IPL 2023 before injuring his toe during training ahead of the third game, which the Super Kings won by seven wickets. However, off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali, who missed the marquee fixture against Mumbai Indians due to food poisoning, is expected to be fit and available for the team's next game.