Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in 2017 with Rising Pune Supergiant. Although the Rajasthan cricketer only got a chance to play in three matches, it gave him a big boost in his career. Chahar represented Mumbai Indians for three seasons before securing a place in the Punjab Kings team from 2022 onwards.
The right-arm attacking spinner has played 78 IPL matches and has taken 75 wickets at an average of 28.55 with a best bowling figure of 4/27. On the occasion of the youngster’s 25th birthday, let’s take a look at three of his best bowling performances in the IPL.
Here are Rahul Chahar’s top 3 bowling performances in IPL
3. 3/19 vs SRH, Chennai, 2021
In 2021, when he was with MI, Rahul Chahar produced a brilliant spell to help his team win by 13 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Rohit Sharma and Co. could only score 150 after opting to bat first. In reply, SRH openers Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow got off to a good start. However, the MI bowlers staged a brilliant comeback with Chahar contributing with three wickets for just 19 runs.
2. 3/19 vs DC, Delhi, 2019
Opting to bat first against Delhi Capitals (DC), MI posted 168/5 in Match 34 of IPL 2019. DC openers Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan provided them a strong start with a partnership of 49 runs. However, both the set batters were removed in quick succession by Chahar. The leggie later took one more wicket – the opposition captain Shreyas Iyer – and aided in MI’s impressive 40-run victory.
1. 4/27 vs KKR, Chennai, 2021
Chahar produced his best bowling performance in the IPL against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 5th match of the 2021 season. In reply to MI’s 153-run target, KKR openers Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill made a 72-run partnership and threatened to take the game away. However, just like the previous instance, both succumbed to Chahar’s leg-spin which led to a massive collapse. He bagged two more wickets and won Player of the Match in MI’s thrilling 10-run win.
Read More: India’s Promising Leg-Spinner Rahul Chahar Was Born in 1999