South Africa vs India: Deepak Chahar's ability with the bat gives us a lot more options, says Rahul Dravid

South Africa vs India: Deepak Chahar smashed 54 runs in 34 balls to take India close to an unlikely win after a batting collapse led to them being 223/7 while chasing a target of 288 in the third ODI.

Deepak Chahar will be given more chances over the course of the next one year, India head coach Rahul Dravid has said after the fast bowler's 54 off 34 balls almost led India to an improbable win in the third ODI of their series against South Africa. It was Chahar's second consecutive half century in ODIs, after he scored an unbeaten 69 in July to lead India to victory against Sri Lanka.

"I mean Deepak Chahar has shown in the opportunities he has gotten with us in Sri Lanka and over here well, he has got some really good ability with the bat. We know what he can do with the ball as well. I have seen him at India A as well and I know he can bat really well so certainly gives us a lot more options," Dravid told reporters on Sunday after India's four-run defeat in the third ODI on Sunday.

Chahar came in to the team as a replacement for senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who went wicketless in the first two ODIs which India lost heavily. He was effective with the ball, dismissing in-form opener Janneman Malan in the third over and then picking the wicket of Aiden Markram.

Dravid also noted the all-round performances of Shardul Thakur in the previous matches and said that the team will be looking to give him and Chahar more chances going into the World Cup next year.

"It is nice to have people like him and Shardul Thakur as well, who we have seen in the last couple of games, contribute with the bat as well. So, obviously, the more and more players like this who can contribute lower down, certainly makes a big difference and give us more options.

Certainly we would like to give Deepak more games along with Shardul and lot of other people who can step up in the course of next year or so and give us depth in the side," said Dravid.