The 2025 IPL Mega Auction was a whirlwind of excitement and drama, featuring 577 players going under the hammer over two action-packed days in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Among the many headline-grabbing moments, one stood out: Deepak Chahar‘s shift from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Mumbai Indians (MI) for an impressive ₹9.25 crore. This move marked the end of an era for CSK and a fresh start for one of IPL’s most dependable pacers.
Deepak Chahar’s Journey in the IPL
Deepak Chahar’s IPL journey began in 2016, but it was his move to CSK in 2018 that defined his career. Known for his ability to swing the ball and pick crucial powerplay wickets, Chahar became an integral part of CSK’s bowling attack. Over 76 matches, he took 76 wickets, consistently delivering match-winning performances.
Chahar’s presence was instrumental in CSK’s IPL title triumphs in 2018, 2021, and 2023. His ability to strike early in the innings often set the tone for the team’s success. Fans fondly remember his fiery spells that dismantled top-order batters and brought CSK back into games. In a heartwarming moment during the 2021 season, Chahar proposed to his girlfriend, Jaya Bharadwaj, in the stands after a match.
Chahar’s Release from CSK
CSK’s decision to release Chahar ahead of the 2025 auction was a tough one. Budget constraints and the need to rebuild the squad forced the franchise to make difficult choices, including letting go of their star pacer. Despite bidding aggressively for Chahar, CSK’s limited purse of ₹13 crore left them unable to match MI’s ₹9.25 crore offer. The auction highlighted the challenging dynamics of managing player retention while building a competitive team.
While excited about joining MI, Chahar expressed gratitude towards CSK and MS Dhoni for shaping his career. In a candid interview, he acknowledged the emotional difficulty of parting ways with the franchise that had become his cricketing home.
“Mahi bhai has supported me from the start, that’s why I wanted to come here. But my name came on the second day at the auction, so I had a fair idea that it would be difficult for me to get back to CSK. They had a low purse, but still bid till INR 9 crore despite a purse of INR 13 crore,” Chahar told Sports Tak.
“I had made up my mind that it would be diffuclt. Last year, my name came first, that’s why it was easier to get back to CSK.”
When my name came up in auction, CSK had only ₹13 Cr left, but they still bid till ₹9 Cr for me. I'm happy about it. 💛
– Deepak Chahar !! pic.twitter.com/XSDoFk0Ez1
— ` (@WorshipDhoni) November 30, 2024
Mumbai Indians’ Bold Move
Mumbai Indians, known for their strategic approach, saw an opportunity to bolster their bowling attack. By acquiring Chahar, they added experience and versatility to their already formidable squad. Chahar’s inclusion is expected to complement MI’s bowling unit. His ability to swing the ball in the powerplay and maintain accuracy in death overs makes him a valuable addition to the five-time IPL champions.
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