Deepak Chahar’s participation in the South Africa tour is under doubt as the pacer revealed that he will only travel once his father’s condition improves.

The right-arm pacer was selected for both the ODI and T20I sides for the tour in the rainbow nation.

Chahar was notably absent from the final T20 International against Australia. The match, which took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, saw India aiming to conclude the series with a strong finish, already leading 3-1.

However, in an unexpected turn of events, India’s interim captain Suryakumar Yadav disclosed during the toss that Chahar had to leave abruptly due to a medical emergency.

It was later reported that Chahar’s father had been taken to the hospital in a critical condition.

Speaking to Sports Tak, Chahar said that his father is improving at the moment and wanted to answer the question as to why he missed the 5th T20I against Australia. The pacer also said he had told coach Rahul Dravid and the selectors that he will be staying back till his father recovers well

“We got him to the hospital on time. Else, it could have been dangerous. His condition is better at the moment. People were asking, why I didn’t play the final T20I against Australia. For me, my father is very important. He made me the player I am. I cannot leave him in this condition and couldn’t go anywhere.”

“That’s why I am staying with my father and once he is out of danger, I will start my journey to South Africa. I have talked to Rahul (Dravid) sir and the selectors.”

“Right now, my father’s condition is better,” said Chahar.

When asked if he had a date planned for joining the team, Chahar said it would depend on his father’s health and right now, he can’t leave him and go.

It depends on my father’s health. Right now, I can’t leave him and go.