India all-rounder Deepak Chahar has expressed his excitement about being bought by Mumbai Indians during the IPL 2025 mega auction, marking a new chapter in his IPL career. The franchise secured him for INR 9.25 crore after a fierce bidding war that saw competition from Punjab Kings (PBKS) and his former team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His move to Mumbai is significant, not just because of the financial details, but also due to the intense rivalry between CSK and MI. This move now places him in the middle of one of the most highly anticipated player transitions in IPL history.
Deepak Chahar's excitement was palpable as he spoke about joining one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. "Obviously, feeling great because, you know, from one great franchise to another great franchise. And if you would’ve asked me which franchise I would like to play for, it would be, obviously, Mumbai Indians (MI) because I know they’re a great franchise," Chahar shared in an interview with Jio Cinema. His connection to Mumbai Indians runs deep, not just because of their prestigious track record but also due to the familiar conditions at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai's home ground. For a bowler like Chahar, Wankhede holds a special place. Known for its fast and bouncy pitch, it suits Chahar’s bowling style, particularly his ability to swing the ball. "I think the ball swings there and you get a lot of seam movement. And whenever I played there, I've done well. So obviously, I'm really happy to be part of a great franchise," he added.
Chahar's optimism about his move is rooted in his understanding of the conditions at Wankhede Stadium, where he feels he can excel. Over the years, Chahar has had impressive performances in Mumbai, and the opportunity to play in such a high-pressure environment alongside a team as prestigious as Mumbai Indians is something he looks forward to. The franchise has consistently been one of the most dominant teams in IPL history, having won five titles, and being a part of that legacy is something that Chahar values greatly.
However, the past few years have not been without challenges for Chahar, particularly in terms of fitness. He has faced a number of injuries, with the most significant being a back injury that forced him to miss the entire 2022 IPL season. Despite this, he was retained by CSK for INR 14 crore, underscoring the faith the franchise had in him. Unfortunately, Chahar's injury struggles also caused him to lose his spot in the Indian national team, putting a temporary halt on his international ambitions. Nevertheless, Chahar has shown resilience and determination to return to peak form.
In the time since his injury, Chahar has been actively working on his fitness. He shared an update on his training regimen, revealing that after the last IPL season, he spent 10 to 12 weeks in the UK, where he trained with a renowned football club. This experience gave him the chance to experiment with different training methods that he felt could benefit him in his rehabilitation process. "I wanted to try something different, and that has really helped me," Chahar explained, emphasizing how these methods have had a positive effect on his physical recovery.
Chahar also continued to focus on his game by playing in the Ranji Trophy, a domestic cricket competition where he participated in all five matches, taking several key wickets for his team. He noted that bowling many overs in these matches helped him get back into rhythm and further improve his fitness. "I really worked hard in the last six months," Chahar said, expressing his satisfaction with his progress. His increased fitness and the consistency of his performances have put him in a strong position ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
Chahar’s IPL career has been a successful one, having picked up 77 wickets in 81 matches. With his move to Mumbai Indians, he will be eager to add more wickets to his tally and play a crucial role in helping the team secure yet another IPL title. His experience and skill as a bowler, combined with his renewed fitness and determination, will make him a key asset for Mumbai in their upcoming campaign.
Looking ahead, Chahar is excited to contribute to Mumbai Indians' quest for another IPL trophy, and with his fitness concerns behind him, he is primed for a successful season. His ability to swing the ball and provide early breakthroughs will make him an invaluable asset to Mumbai, as they look to continue their legacy as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. As Chahar settles into his new role with Mumbai, both he and the franchise will be hoping for a strong, injury-free season, one where he can showcase his talent and contribute to their title hopes.
