Rahul Chahar says Chennai Super Kings ‘would suit me’, ahead of IPL 2026 auction [Exclusive]

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has opened up about the team he wishes to play for. The 26-year-old believes Chennai Super Kings would be an ideal fit for his skill set, especially considering the conditions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Released by Sunrisers Hyderabad after IPL 2025, Chahar will enter the auction with a base price of INR 1 crore.

Speaking exclusively to CricTracker, the spinner spoke about the franchise he would like to represent next. Apart from taking CSK’s name, Chahar also picked his home franchise, the Rajasthan Royals, as his preference.

“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,” he said.

Rahul Chahar’s abilities to suit Chepauk wicket

In IPL matches played in Chennai, Chahar has picked up 14 wickets in nine games at a bowling average of 15.92, with a best of 4/27. Against CSK overall, he has claimed 15 wickets in 13 matches, conceding runs at an economy of just 6.14. 

Chahar’s IPL career began with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, where he got the opportunity to play under the leadership of MS Dhoni and Steve Smith. His breakthrough moment came after being picked by the Mumbai Indians. Between 2019 and 2021, he became a crucial part of MI’s bowling unit, contributing to their title wins in 2019 and 2020. Across those three seasons, he bagged 13, 15, and 13 wickets respectively.

Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, the Mumbai Indians released him, and the Punjab Kings secured his services. However, his three-season stint with PBKS was decent. In IPL 2025, he turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad as one of their specialist leg-spinners alongside Adam Zampa, but was released after just featuring in one game. In 79 IPL matches played so far, he has picked 75 wickets at an average of 28.66 and an economy rate of 7.72.