"Mahi bhai has supported me from the start, that's why I wanted to go to CSK" - Deepak Chahar on parting ways with franchise after IPL 2025 auction
Right-arm pacer Deepak Chahar acknowledged wanting to continue with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but understood the dynamics that disallowed that possibility during the IPL 2025 auction. The 32-year-old was a part of CSK from 2018 to 2024, helping the franchise win three of their five titles in 2018, 2021 and 2023.
However, CSK's arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) outbid them in the 2025 auction, acquiring Chahar's services for ₹9.25 crore. Despite a limited purse balance, CSK went toe-to-toe with MI for Chahar before finally relenting.
Speaking to Sports Tak, Chahar thanked CSK for going all out during the auction, while stating his wish to continue with them.
"Mahi bhai has supported me from the start, that's why I wanted to go to CSK. 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. I had made up my mind that it would be difficult. Last year, my name came first, that's why it was easier to get back to CSK," he said.
CSK bought Chahar during the IPL 2022 auction for a whooping ₹14 crore, thanks to his impressive performances from 2018 to 2021. While Chahar's bowling has remained consistent, the injuries have taken a toll with the pacer playing only a combined 18 matches over the past two seasons.
"Now, I’ll be playing for another great franchise which has won five IPL trophies" - Deepak Chahar
Despite stating his wish to continue for CSK, Deepak Chahar was more than happy to play for five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI).
The 32-year-old will form a potentially brilliant pace-bowling trio with Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult should MI go in that direction.
Speaking to Jio Cinema after MI acquired him in the IPL 2025 auction, Chahar said:
"I’m quite happy. I had hoped to continue with CSK, but no regrets. Now, I’ll be playing for another great franchise which has won five IPL trophies. I’ll obviously miss playing with MS Dhoni. Mumbai Indians is a great franchise, so I’m really looking forward to playing for them."
Chahar boasts excellent IPL numbers with 77 wickets in 81 games at an average of under 29 and an economy of 7.98.
The veteran can also contribute useful lower-order runs, evidenced by his IPL batting average and a strike rate of 11.43 and 13.59, respectively.