Deepak Chahar is set to play for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025, marking his third team in the league after the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After RPS was dissolved following the 2017 season, Chahar moved to CSK, where he became an integral part of their bowling attack under MS Dhoni.
Since his IPL debut in 2016, Chahar has played 81 matches, taking 77 wickets at an economy rate of 7.98, including two four-wicket hauls. His standout season came in 2019, when he took 22 wickets in 17 games at an economy rate of 7.47. Dhoni often used him in the powerplay, where Chahar consistently delivered strong performances.
However, Chahar has faced injury setbacks in recent years. He missed the entire 2022 season due to a right quadriceps injury and had another injury concern last season, limiting him to just eight matches. His absence contributed to CSK’s failure to qualify for the playoffs, as their bowling attack was weakened.
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During Day 2 of the auction, the bidding for Chahar began with Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. As the price reached ₹7.75 crore, Chennai Super Kings joined the race, raising the bid to ₹8 crore. After a tense bidding war between MI and CSK, Mumbai Indians secured the pacer for ₹9.25 crore.
Chahar’s new deal marks a 34% pay cut, as he was last bought by CSK for ₹14 crore. Nonetheless, MI will gain great value from his inclusion, adding him to their pace attack alongside Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah, further strengthening their squad.
Mumbai Indians were also in the bidding war for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but he was eventually purchased by RCB for ₹10.75 crore.