After a prolonged absence from the Ranji Trophy, Deepak Chahar has made a triumphant return, showcasing his skills and resilience. Having battled injuries for years, Chahar is now back on the field, representing Rajasthan and impressively taking 13 wickets in just four matches. This marks a significant comeback for the 32-year-old pacer, who last played in this prestigious domestic tournament four years ago. His performance has not only rekindled his cricketing career but also reignited hopes for a spot in the national team once again.
Deepak Chahar eyes the IPL 2025 mega auction
As Chahar shines in the Ranji Trophy, he is also keeping a close watch on the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah. Despite being released by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he has been a key player since 2018, Chahar remains optimistic about his future.
“I was not retained by them in the last mega auction as well. But they went all out for me and bought me back,” Chahar stated in an interview with Times of India.
He expressed confidence that his skills would be highly sought after, especially given the increasing scores during powerplays in recent IPL seasons.
“I don’t know what will happen this year, but I know my skill will be valued more now given the fact that around 90-100 runs are being scored in the Powerplay and that’s why the teams are scoring more than 200 more frequently. I have proved how valuable I can be in limiting runs in that phase of the game,” he added, highlighting his ability to limit runs during crucial phases of the game.
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Chahar names his second favourite IPL franchise
Chahar’s relationship with CSK has been both fruitful and challenging. Over six seasons, he has taken 76 wickets and played a pivotal role in their successes, including three IPL titles. However, with CSK opting not to retain him this time around, he faces an uncertain future. Chahar admitted that while he would love to return to CSK, he is also open to other opportunities, specifically naming Rajasthan Royals as his second choice. His past experiences with CSK give him hope that they might bid for him again during the auction.
“I think they will bid for me again. I would like to don the yellow jersey again and if not that, then I would want Rajasthan Royals to bid for me,” Chahar, who was bought back by CSK for INR 14 crore,” Chahar said.
Chahar’s journey reflects not just his personal struggles but also the broader narrative of resilience in sports. After enduring multiple injuries, including a stress fracture and quad tears that sidelined him for extended periods, his current form is a testament to his hard work and determination. As he prepares for the IPL auction, Chahar remains focused on proving his mettle both domestically and internationally. With his body responding well to the rigors of first-class cricket, fans can expect to see more of him on the field as he aims for a successful comeback.