'Mahi bhai has supported me from the start' - Deepak Chahar explains why he wanted to go to Chennai Super Kings

Pacer Deepak Chahar was roped in by Mumbai Indians (MI) for a whopping INR 9.25 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. However, the seam-bowling all-rounder revealed recently revealed that he wanted to continue playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The Super Kings tried to arrange a reunion with Chahar, and they placed a final bid of INR 9 crore. But Mumbai was determined to acquire the services of the 32-year-old cricketer from Rajasthan. Mumbai Indians is the fourth IPL franchise that Chahar will be a part of after spending time at Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and CSK. Interestingly, Chahar admitted that he wanted to continue his stay with the Men in Yellow because of the support he received from the legendary MS Dhoni during his career.

"Mahi bhai has supported me from the start, that's why I wanted to go to CSK. But my name came 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," Chahar said during a chat with Sports Tak.

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The Agra-born pacer's name came up on Day 2 of the mega auction on Monday, November 25. By then, CSK had spent most of their purse, with only INR 13 crore remaining in their kitty. The pacer said that he knew it would be tough for the five-time champions to re-sign him from the position.

"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," he said.

Chahar bid adieu to Chennai Super Kings

Deepak Chahar has the experience of playing 81 IPL games and has picked up 77 wickets at an average of 28.84. He will play alongside stars like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and captain Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians. The seasoned campaigner would want to have a strong season and push his case for an India recall.