3 teams that should target Rahul Chahar in IPL 2025 auction ft. Chennai Super Kings
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is set to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. All ten franchises are working against time to chalk out their plans ahead of what promises to be the biggest auction in the tournament's history.
Over the years, we have witnessed how important a role the wrist spinners have played in the competition. Despite the sheer dominance of the batters over the bowlers especially in the last couple of years, the quality of wrist spinners has continued ruling the roost even on placid tracks.
Rahul Chahar’s recent track record might not be the best but he certainly has a lot of experience at the top level and is expected to fetch a decent sum in the upcoming auction. He has more than a decent IPL record, having picked 75 wickets in 78 games at an economy rate of 28.55.
Chahar played only nine matches for the Punjab Kings in the previous edition but is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming edition. Here are three possible teams who might target the leggie in the upcoming auction:
#1 Chennai Super Kings
Most wrist spinners tend to bowl a few loose deliveries during their spell but the reason why they are in high demand is their ability to turn games with wickets.
Chahar has the ability to run through batting line-ups, especially on pitches that are conducive for spinners. What's more important is Chahar’s phenomenal record at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The Chepauk has traditionally helped the spinners and he had bagged 14 wickets in nine games at an incredible average of 15.93. His best IPL figures of 4/27 have also come at this particular venue and it could be worth the call to buy the leggie in the upcoming auction.
#2 Mumbai Indians
It could be a homecoming for Rahul Chahar who was given an extended run by the Mumbai Indians during the 2019 IPL. He bagged 13 wickets in as many matches at an average of 23.69 and a superb economy rate of 6.55.
Chahar continued his great record for the five-time champions, bagging 15 wickets in 2020 and playing an instrumental role in helping them win back-to-back titles. The pitches at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai have predominantly produced high-scoring games.
However, Chahar has still managed to maintain a brilliant economy rate. Given his previous experience playing for MI and his numbers with MI, Chahar could end up returning to the most successful franchise in the competition.
#3 Rajasthan Royals
Despite an incredible run with the Rajasthan Royals, experienced leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was released by the inaugural champions. He bagged 66 wickets for them in the last three seasons and it's a no-brainer that they will need a wrist spinner in the upcoming season.
Chahar’s local knowledge of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur will also come in handy. He has played most of his age group level and domestic cricket in Rajasthan, which might prompt the franchise to acquire his services.