Deepak Chahar Anticipates CSK Bid At IPL 2025 Auction While Considering Rajasthan Royals Option

Deepak Chahar, an Indian fast bowler, is optimistic about being re-signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction 2025. This event is set for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Chahar has been a key player for CSK since joining them in 2018 as an uncapped player for Rs 80 Lakhs. However, ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, CSK released him while retaining only five players.

Before the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, CSK also released Chahar but later repurchased him for Rs 14 Crore. He had become a significant figure in India's white-ball cricket team by then.

Reflecting on CSK's efforts to buy him back previously, Chahar remains uncertain if they will make a similar move this time. He highlighted his ability to excel during the powerplay as a reminder of his value to the team.

"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 said in an interview with the Times of India (TOI).

"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."

While hoping for a return to CSK under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's leadership, Chahar is open to playing for Rajasthan Royals if they bid for him at the auction.

CSK's Retained Players

"I think they (CSK) 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 added.

CSK has retained Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Shivam Dube before the IPL 2025 auction. They have one Right to Match (RTM) card available.

Potential RTM Use on Chahar

If CSK finds a final bid worth matching for any released player, they might use their RTM card. Chahar could be among those considered by CSK but faces competition from others like Tushar Deshpande due to recent performances.

Despite injury setbacks in recent years, Chahar debuted under MS Dhoni at Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016. Though he played only three matches there, he became a regular choice under Dhoni at CSK.

In his IPL career spanning 81 matches, Chahar has taken 77 wickets with an economy rate of 7.98. His dominance is evident with 58 wickets claimed during powerplays across innings.