In the 2022 Indian Premier League, the Chennai Super Kings had a difficult season. The captaincy was a back-and-forth affair this season, with MS Dhoni handing over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja and the all-rounder handing it back to the former skipper just eight games in. The season was further marred by inconsistent performances, and the team is now relying on a variety of outcomes to get them to the playoffs, as well as winning all of its remaining games.

Deepak Chahar, one of the CSK’s main Indian bowlers, had also been ruled out of the season due to injury. In his absence, the team fielded a number of Indian pacers in the XI, with Mukesh Choudhary and Simarjeet Singh stepping up for CSK in recent games.

Simarjeet, who made his Super Kings debut against Sunrisers Hyderabad, starred in the team’s previous match against Delhi Capitals, taking 2/27 in four overs. Simarjeet was selected by CSK in the mega auction for INR 20 lakh, and was previously a member of the Mumbai Indians when he was signed during the second phase of the season last year.

Simarjeet, who plays for Delhi, has previously represented India’s U19 teams; however, in a video for CSK, the bowler recalled being dropped from the squad just hours before the departure.

“There was this one time when I was chosen to play for India, in the Asia Cup for the U-19 team.” I received a call the day before we were to leave, informing me that I would be unable to attend the Asia Cup due to a rule prohibiting those who had previously competed at the U19 level from competing again. The selectors cancelled my selection because I had played at the level the previous year,” Simarjeet explained.

“I was supposed to fly out at 7 a.m., but I got a call at 11 p.m. saying I was no longer a part of the team.” As a result, I was discouraged. My parents tried to console me by telling me that I should be proud of my accomplishments. This incident inspired me to try out for India in another series, such as the Emerging Cup or something similar,” Simarjeet said.

So far, the Indian pacer has taken 37 wickets in 11 first-class appearances for Delhi. He has also played for the side in 23 List A matches and as many T20 matches.