In a surprising development during the IPL 2025 mega auction, Indian medium pacer Deepak Chahar made a notable switch from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Mumbai Indians (MI). The Mumbai franchise secured his services for a considerable sum of ₹9.25 crore, prompting expectations that he would replicate his impactful performances for CSK with MI.
Chahar kicked off his MI career in their first match against CSK on March 23, 2025, making a significant contribution with the bat by scoring 28 runs off just 15 balls, helping his new side post a modest total of 155 for 9.
Chahar's performance extended beyond batting, as he also showcased his bowling prowess by dismissing Rahul Tripathi. His reaction upon taking the wicket was telling; the relief and aggression pouring out after being released from the pressures of the previous season were evident in his celebration. This showcased not just his competitive spirit but also the stakes of playing against a former team.
In contrast to Chahar's debut, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad opted for a strategic shift by sending out Rahul Tripathi to open instead of taking the position himself. This decision raised eyebrows, particularly given Gaikwad's usual role as opener. A closer inspection of his performance against fast bowlers indicated a 45.42% dot ball percentage in the powerplay, which sparked the tactical change. Former CSK star Michael Hussey supported this decision, suggesting that Tripathi's aggressiveness was better suited to exploit MI's pace attack at the top of the innings.
As the match unfolded, CSK failed to fully capitalize on their bowling effort — led largely by newcomer Noor Ahmad, who astoundingly took four wickets for just 18 runs, showcasing his potential to dominate at the IPL level.
Chahar’s investment paid dividends for MI right from the start, as he contributed runs in a format where hitting boundaries often proves crucial. Meanwhile, Tripathi’s early dismissal for just two runs highlighted the fragility of CSK’s strategy despite Gaikwad's calculated approach.
Looking ahead, the dynamics of MI's bowling and CSK's batting will be pivotal as they navigate the rest of the season. With Chahar now donning MI colors, fans can expect fireworks from both sides.
