IND V ZIM 1st ODI: Nervous when playing the internationally after 6 and a half years”, says Deepak Chahar

Harare Aug 18, : In Harare, in his first game in competition in almost seven months, Deepak Chahar was understandably taking his time to find his groove.

However, he was swift in finding his lengths and planting seeds of doubt in the minds of the batters who were starting.

"The landing surface was a bit hard and my nails werent moving in and were sliding.When you play an international match after six and six and a half months, youre always anxious.

Before I came here, I played four to five practice games," said Chahar after choosing the Player of the Award for Match in Indias win by 10 wickets.The majority of pitches were in the length zone the short ball worked for Chahar as he was unable to squeeze Innocent Kaia for room on the pull, and the thick edge was snatched by wicketkeeper Sanju Samson on the second attempt.

He came back in his next over to find Tadiwanashe Marumani poke at a ball that was short and was nipped behind by Samson.After the power play, Chahar was hit with his third loss when his last swing with a full ball snared Wesley Madhevere lbw while going for the flick.

In seven consecutive runs, Chahar exhibited signs of his slowly returning to his best.This is a good thing for India ahead of tasks such as the Asia Cup, where he is in the reserves as well as the mens T20 World Cup "But when you were playing for your country, you had to perform well, and the body and mind and mind, were not working together.

The ball I wanted to throw a bouncer, but the spikes didnt make it through and I fell.However, it improved after that.

Im okay and my body is as well," added Chahar.In Indias victory by 10 wickets to lead 1-0 in the series of three matches vice captain Shikhar Dhawan as well as Shubman Gill hit unbeaten fifty-sixes to snare the 190-run mark in 30.5 overs.A significant part of the Dhawan-Gill partnership was the way Dhawan was the first to get involved was put in the back seat for a while to remain unbeaten at 81 as Gill was able to find his rhythm after a shrewd start in the innings and went unbeaten at 82 "I am enjoying playing with the kid (Gill) as I am feeling like a child too.I was impressed by the consistency of West Indies.When I realized that I had my sights set I would pursue the bowlers.

I wanted to turn the strike, and then I wanted to speed up.My rhythm with Gill has found a good rhythm.The method he bats and plays the ball is wonderful to observe.

He has shown consistency in changing fifties into bigger fiveties." said Dhawan.

Dhawan also made two excellent catch as a slip fielder, and was pleased with Chahars remarkable return to international cricket "I love (catching on the slip) and its become easier with experience.Our bowling team did excellently and it was pleasing to witness Deepak Chahar return from injury and take three wickets.

I am certain he will be feeling confident as well." nr/bs.