Deepak Chahar has been with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since 2018. The pace-bowling all-rounder has found incredible success with the new ball at the Chepauk Stadium and wishes to return to the franchise. With just six retentions possible, CSK didn’t retain Chahar ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. But, like last time (2022), he expects them to buy him back.
CSK’s current best bowler?
Chahar is CSK’s second-highest wicket-taker since 2018 despite missing the 2022 season, behind Ravindra Jadeja by just two wickets. As far as his prowess with the new ball goes, only Trent Boult has taken more wickets (59 to 57) than him in the powerplay in the last six years. The pacer feels that he’s done well up front, and he’ll be appreciated by his franchise for the job he’s done.
“I was not retained by them in the last mega auction as well. But they went all out for me and bought me back. 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.” Chahar told the Times of India.
If not CSK, then RR: Deepak Chahar
Although Chahar’s confident that CSK will bid for him at the IPL 2025 mega auction. But in case luck has it other way, he’d like to play for his home state, the Rajasthan Royals. Having made his domestic debut way back in 2010, Chahar would like to represent his state’s IPL team over others and tick all the boxes when it comes to representing Rajasthan.
“I think they 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 retention list for IPL 2025
Retention No. 1 (Rs 18 crore) – Ruturaj Gaikwad
Retention No. 2 (Rs 13 crore) – Matheesha Pathirana
Retention No. 3 (Rs 12 crore) – Shivam Dube
Retention No. 4 (Rs 18 crore) – Ravindra Jadeja
Retention No. 5 (Rs 4 crore) (uncapped) – MS Dhoni
Purse left – Rs 55 crores