The Indian team has hit a bit of a purple patch when it comes fast bowling. Earlier in the year, limited overs specialist Jasprit Bumrah became a late addition to the Test XI in South Africa and quickly became the leader of the pace attack.

Test regulars Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav continue to operate at desired levels while the fitness of Mohammed Shami is the only concern as far as the Indian management is concerned. On top of that, a fully fit Bhuvneshwar Kumar is almost certain to start every match for India, irrespective of the format.

The competition one rung below is intense with Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat fighting for a spot in the playing eleven, at least in limited overs cricket alongside other talents like Siddarth Kaul. And the latest pacer to stake his claim for a spot in the senior team is Deepak Chahar.

The 25-year-old right pacer first shot to fame when he took 8-10 in his first-class debut for his state team Rajasthan in 2010, dismissing Hyderabad for an Indian record low of 21.

However, lack of consistency and fitness issues in subsequent seasons meant he never attained the highs of this first-class debut again.

However this year’s IPL gave Chahar another opportunity to throw his hat in the ring as it’s a long away season for India culminating in the World Cup in England.

In IPL 2018, Chahar impressed in Chennai Super Kings jersey, getting prodigious movement on occasions and forming a fine partnership with South Africa quick Lungi Ngidi towards the end of the tournament. In 12 matches, Chahar took 10 wickets at an economy of 7.2.

Chahar was deservedly picked for the India ‘A’ tour of England. In two tour warm-up games, Chahar has already picked up six wickets. Yes, they weren’t the strongest sides – and ECB XI and a second string Leicester side – but Chahar in English conditions is certain to get more assistance than others because he has the prefect action for it backed by decent pace.

Indian fans were pleasantly surprised by the impact of Bumrah in Test matches. Maybe Chahar can turn a few heads when the main matches against England ‘A’ begin.

With a long tour of England by the senior Indian team – which includes five Tests – to begin next month, you just never know who drops out or gets injured. Chahar will be waiting in the wings.