In a significant development at the recently concluded IPL 2025 mega auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officially parted ways with star bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar, bringing an end to a fruitful seven-year association. Chahar, one of the pillars of CSK’s success in recent years, was snapped up by the Mumbai Indians (MI) for a whopping ₹9.25 crore after an intense bidding war between the two franchises.
The move marks the beginning of a new chapter in Chahar’s IPL career while leaving an emotional void for the CSK faithful, who had grown accustomed to his impactful performances in the yellow jersey.
Deepak Chahar’s CSK Journey: A Legacy of Success
Deepak Chahar joined Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite with his consistent performances. Throughout seven seasons (2018-2024), Chahar played 76 matches for CSK, taking 76 wickets and delivering memorable spells in crucial encounters.
Known for his ability to swing the new ball and deliver at crunch moments, Chahar was instrumental in CSK’s IPL triumphs in 2018, 2021, and 2023. His sharp bowling in the powerplay often set the tone for the team, while his handy contributions with the bat added depth to CSK’s lower order.
Highlights of Chahar’s stint with CSK include his match-winning 4/13 against Kings XI Punjab in 2019 and his all-round performance in the 2021 final against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he contributed both with the ball and the bat to secure CSK’s fourth IPL title.
The Emotional Farewell: A Tribute from CSK
As news of Deepak Chahar’s departure broke, Chennai Super Kings took to their official Instagram handle to bid an emotional farewell. They shared a nostalgic reel featuring some of Chahar’s finest moments with the franchise, including his game-changing spells and celebrations with teammates.
The post carried the heartfelt caption, “Will miss the cheer you bring, Cherry!” symbolizing the deep connection Chahar had fostered with the team and its loyal supporters. Fans poured into the comments section with emotional messages, expressing gratitude for his remarkable contributions and the unforgettable memories he created with the franchise.
The Auction Drama: CSK vs. MI
The IPL 2025 mega auction saw a fierce bidding war between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians for Deepak Chahar’s services. While CSK initially intended to retain the bowling all-rounder, they eventually stepped back as Mumbai Indians raised the stakes with a hefty ₹9.25 crore bid.
This move ended CSK’s pursuit of their long-time star and highlighted the franchise’s strategic shift towards building a younger, cost-effective squad. Despite letting go of Chahar, CSK remains confident in maintaining a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Mumbai Indians Welcome a Star
For Mumbai Indians, acquiring Deepak Chahar is a significant boost. Known for his ability to dominate in the powerplay, Chahar adds depth and versatility to MI’s bowling lineup, complementing their existing star-studded roster. His experience and leadership qualities will also be invaluable to the five-time IPL champions as they aim to regain their dominance in the league.
The Legacy Lives On
Deepak Chahar’s departure from CSK marks the end of an era for the franchise. However, his legacy remains etched in the team’s history as one of its most impactful players. While CSK fans will miss seeing him in yellow, they will undoubtedly cherish the countless memories and contributions he made during his tenure with the team.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Deepak Chahar as he dons the blue of Mumbai Indians. Will he continue his golden run and help MI achieve new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Deepak Chahar’s journey in the IPL is far from over.