IPL 2025: Deepak Chahar unhappy with MI signing? Pacer 'wanted to join MS Dhoni's CSK'

Deepak Chahar has bid farewell to Chennai Super Kings after Mumbai Indians outbid all competitors to secure his services in the recent IPL 2025 mega auction. Mumbai Indians signed Chahar and New Zealand pacer Trent Boult to strengthen their formidable fast-bowling arsenal for the next season.

Mumbai acquired Boult for a hefty INR 12.50 crore, while Deepak Chahar was snapped up for INR 9.25 crore, which was a huge blow for Chennai Super Kings, as the five-time IPL champions were hoping to retain the seamer, who has been an integral part of their bowling attack over the years.

Deepak Chahar opens up about his departure from Chennai Super Kings and move to Mumbai Indians after IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Recently, Chahar has shared his admiration for MS Dhoni, saying it was the legendary cricketer’s immense support that made him want to stay with the Chennai Super Kings. However, the Indian seamer had accepted the reality that his return to Chennai Super Kings was unlikely with his name coming up late on day two of the mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last month.

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Despite CSK's best efforts and limited purse, the five-time IPL champions were unable to secure Deepak Chahar. However, Chennai bid till INR 9 crore despite a purse of INR 13 crore remaining at the mega auction, and the bowler felt lucky that they went so far for him, but Mumbai managed to bring him on the board.

Reflecting on the auction, Chahar admitted that he had expected a tough battle for him, given the restrictions CSK faced with their available funds. His departure from the Chennai franchise marked the end of his era with Chennai Super Kings, but at the same time, he joined joint successful franchises in IPL history.

I wanted to go to CSK because of MS Dhoni: Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar was quoted as saying by SportsTak: “Mahi bhai has supported me from the start; that’s why I wanted to go to CSK. But my name came up 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.”

Meanwhile, Deepak Chahar has faced several injury challenges in recent years, but he has been working hard to regain his match fitness. During this period, he was just focusing on his goal to return to the Indian cricket team.

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Chahar further revealed that he traveled to the UK for training, where he worked with a prominent football club after the IPL 2024, and then he returned to the Ranji Trophy, bowling over 150 overs in the five red-ball matches. He is currently playing in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25.

Deepak Chahar opens up about his journey after IPL 2024

He further explained, “After the last IPL season, I went to the UK for training. I was training with a big football club there. Then, I came back and played five Ranji Trophy matches, bowling about 150 overs. Now, I’m playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. So, I’ve been playing cricket regularly for the past six months, and I’ve been training well.”

Chahar's ultimate goal is now to represent India again, and for which he is aiming to play all 14 matches and give his best, as he believes this season is crucial for his future in international cricket.

He signed off by saying, “My main goal is to play for India again, so I need to play all the 14 matches, play at my full potential, and then hopefully I can make a comeback for team India. This is going to be a very important season for me.”