Deepak Chahar
The first Indian male cricketer to take a hat-trick in a Twenty20 International match.
Deepak Chahar is an Indian international cricketer and right-arm medium pace swing bowler. Born on 7 August 1992 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, he plays for Rajasthan in domestic cricket and currently represents Mumbai Indians after being signed in the IPL mega auction on 25 November 2024. He was previously a key member of Chennai Super Kings, having been bought by them in January 2018. Chahar gained global recognition as part of the Indian squad that won the 2018 Asia Cup.
- Role
- Right-arm medium pace swing bowler
- Affiliation
- Mumbai Indians (as of Nov 25, 2024)
- Style
- Swing bowling
- Status
- Active Player
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Chahar's early career was marked by a stunning debut in the 2010–11 Ranji Trophy, where he claimed eight wickets for just 10 runs against Hyderabad. This performance helped bowl out the opposition for only 21 runs, setting the lowest total in Ranji Trophy history at that time. His swing bowling prowess quickly earned him a youth contract with Rajasthan Royals before moving to Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016. In October 2016, he honed his skills alongside international coaches Ian Pont and Catherine Dalton during a development camp in Jaipur. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his eventual rise in the IPL, where he joined Chennai Super Kings in January 2018.
In Their Own Story
The defining chapter of Chahar's T20I career unfolded during a three-match series against Bangladesh in 2019. In the final match, he delivered a historic performance that will be etched in cricket history: taking six wickets for seven runs from just 3.2 overs. This feat set new best bowling figures for a men's T20I at the time and earned him the ICC T20I Performance of the Year award in January 2020. During that same series, he achieved another milestone by becoming the first Indian male bowler to take a hat-trick in a T20I match. His earlier breakthrough came in 2019 against the West Indies, where he claimed three wickets for four runs in the final match of the series, earning the player of the match award.
Reader's Guide
For fans tracking Chahar's journey, his international milestones are essential. He made his T20I debut on 8 July 2018 against England, taking one wicket, and debuted in One Day Internationals against Afghanistan in September 2018 during the Asia Cup. In July 2021, he scored his maiden ODI half-century, followed by a second against South Africa in January 2022. Although named as a reserve for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, his IPL 2022 campaign with Chennai Super Kings was cut short due to a back injury. His personal life also saw significant moments, such as proposing to girlfriend Jaya Bhardwaj during the final league-stage match of the 2021 IPL.
Did You Know?
- Chahar took eight wickets for 10 runs on his first-class debut in the 2010–11 Ranji Trophy.
- He was the first Indian male cricketer to take a hat-trick in a T20I match, achieving this against Bangladesh in 2019.
- His bowling figures of 6/7 against Bangladesh in January 2020 earned him the ICC T20I Performance of the Year award.
- He is the younger cousin of fellow cricketer Rahul Chahar.
- Chahar was ruled out of the 2022 IPL tournament due to a back injury after being bought by Chennai Super Kings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Deepak Chahar in relation to Chennai Super Kings?
He was a core member of the team from January 2018 until his recent move, known for his right-arm swing bowling. Originally from Agra, he became a fan favorite during his tenure with the franchise.
What specific skills made him successful on the field?
Chahar specializes in medium pace swing bowling, which allowed him to trouble batters effectively across formats. His ability to deliver crucial wickets at key moments defined his playing style during his IPL career.
What historic record does he hold for Indian cricket?
He made history as the first Indian male cricketer to claim a hat-trick in a Twenty20 International match. This achievement significantly boosted his global recognition alongside winning the 2018 Asia Cup with India.
Which team does Deepak Chahar represent currently?
As of November 2024, he has been signed by Mumbai Indians following the IPL mega auction. While he previously represented CSK for several seasons, his current domestic affiliation remains with Rajasthan.
Why is Deepak Chahar considered important to CSK's legacy?
His consistent performances and ability to break partnerships were vital during his years with the yellow jersey. Fans remember him as a key figure who contributed significantly to the team's success before moving on.