Out-of-favour India spinner Rahul Chahar has revealed his interest in turning out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, scheduled for December 16. The 26-year-old featured for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025 but managed just a single appearance, after which the franchise released him prior to the auction.
CSK, on the other hand, parted ways with several players in the off-season following a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them finish at the bottom of the standings. The five-time champions will head into the auction with the second-largest purse of ₹43.40 crore. Speaking to Crictracker ahead of the 2026 auction, Chahar said:
“I have a decent bowling record at Chepauk, and CSK would suit me, considering how the ball tends to move there. Rajasthan is my home team, so either CSK or RR would work for me.”
Much like the Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals had a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, ending second-last on the points table with just four victories from 14 matches. Meanwhile, Chahar has represented India in six T20Is and one ODI since making his international debut in 2019.
How Rahul Chahar Has Fared In IPL Matches In Chennai?
As highlighted earlier, Rahul Chahar has an impressive track record at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium in the IPL. The leg-spinner has claimed 14 wickets in nine matches at the venue, maintaining a fine average of 15.92 and an economy rate of 6.19. His latest IPL appearance in Chennai came in 2024, where he delivered a superb spell of 2/16 from his four overs.
Chahar has been even more effective in matches his team has won at Chennai, taking 12 wickets at an outstanding average of 11 and an economy of 5.50. Overall, the Rajasthan-born spinner has bagged 75 wickets in 79 IPL appearances, with an average of under 29 and an economy of 7.72. He will head into the auction with a base price of ₹1 crore.
Over the years, Chahar has represented Punjab Kings (PBKS), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). He played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ back-to-back title triumphs in 2019 and 2020, picking up 28 wickets across those two campaigns.
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