Deepak Chahar (full name – Deepak Lokendersingh Chahar, born 7 August 1992) is an Indian international cricketer who represents India national cricket team. He is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a right-handed batsman. Chahar is known for his ability to swing the new ball and has been a regular participant in limited-overs formats for India.
He has played domestic cricket for Rajasthan cricket team and in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for teams including Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
Career Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deepak Lokendersingh Chahar |
| Born | 7 August 1992 |
| Birthplace | Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Spouse | Jaya Bhardwaj |
| Role | Bowling all-rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium-fast |
| International Debut | T20I vs England, 2018 |
| ODI Debut | vs Afghanistan, 2018 |
| T20I Best | 6/7 vs Bangladesh (2019) |
| IPL Team | Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians |
| Captaincy | Not applicable |
| Notable Records | Best T20I bowling figures (6/7) |
| Jersey Number | 90 (India) |
Achievements
| Achievement | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| T20I Debut | 2018 | Against England |
| ODI Debut | 2018 | Against Afghanistan |
| Best T20I Figures | 2019 | 6/7 vs Bangladesh |
| Hat-trick in T20I | 2019 | First Indian male cricketer to achieve this |
| IPL Debut | 2016 | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| IPL Title | 2018, 2021 | With Chennai Super Kings |
| Maiden ODI Fifty | 2021 | 69* vs Sri Lanka |
| Asia Cup Squad | 2018 | Member of winning squad |
| T20I Ranking Rise | 2019 | Among top-ranked bowlers |
| IPL Powerplay Specialist | Multiple seasons | Known for early breakthroughs |
Deepak Chahar is regarded as a specialist swing bowler in limited-overs cricket. His ability to generate movement with the new ball has made him an effective option in the powerplay overs. Chahar gained international recognition following his record-breaking T20I performance against Bangladesh in 2019. He has also contributed as a lower-order batsman, notably scoring a match-winning half-century in ODIs. In franchise cricket, particularly in the IPL, he has been a key bowler for Chennai Super Kings, contributing to multiple title-winning campaigns.
Early Life and Background
Deepak Chahar was born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. He comes from a family with a strong interest in cricket; his father, Lokendra Singh Chahar, supported his early training and development in the sport.
He trained at a cricket academy in Rajasthan after relocating with his family to pursue better opportunities. Chahar progressed through age-group cricket and represented Rajasthan at the domestic level from a young age.
Domestic Career
Chahar made his debut for the Rajasthan cricket team in the Ranji Trophy. He gained attention during the 2010–11 season when he took 8 wickets for 10 runs against Hyderabad, one of the best bowling figures in domestic cricket.
He later played for Rajasthan Royals in domestic T20 leagues and continued to perform consistently as a swing bowler. His domestic performances led to selection in IPL teams and eventually the national side.
International Career
Test Career
Deepak Chahar has not established a regular presence in Test cricket and has primarily been considered for limited-overs formats.
ODI Career
Chahar made his ODI debut in 2018 against Afghanistan. He gained recognition in 2021 during a series against Sri Lanka, where he scored an unbeaten 69 to help India secure a victory. His role in ODIs includes both new-ball bowling and lower-order batting contributions.
T20I Career
Chahar made his T20I debut in 2018 against England. His most notable performance came in 2019 against Bangladesh, where he recorded figures of 6 wickets for 7 runs, the best in T20I history. He also achieved a hat-trick in the same match, becoming the first Indian male cricketer to do so in T20Is.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Deepak Chahar made his IPL debut in 2016 for Rising Pune Supergiant. He later became a key player for Chennai Super Kings, where he was primarily used as a powerplay bowler.
He was retained and later re-acquired by Chennai Super Kings in subsequent IPL auctions due to his effectiveness with the new ball. In later seasons, he also joined Mumbai Indians.
Chahar has been part of multiple IPL-winning squads and is known for his economical bowling and early breakthroughs.
Playing Style
Deepak Chahar is a right-arm medium-fast bowler known for conventional swing, especially in the early overs. He relies on accuracy, seam position, and movement rather than pace.
As a batsman, he is a lower-order right-handed player capable of contributing in pressure situations. His batting is considered useful in limited-overs cricket.
His bowling style has been compared to traditional swing bowlers, focusing on control and movement rather than express speed.
Records and Achievements
- Best bowling figures in T20Is: 6/7
- First Indian male cricketer to take a T20I hat-trick
- One of the most economical powerplay bowlers in IPL
- Match-winning ODI innings (69*) vs Sri Lanka
- Multiple IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings
Personal Life
Deepak Chahar married Jaya Bhardwaj. His brother, Rahul Chahar, is also a professional cricketer who has represented India in international cricket.
Outside cricket, Chahar is known to be involved in fitness activities and personal training routines.
Awards and Honours
- Player of the Match (T20I vs Bangladesh, 2019)
- IPL title winner (2018, 2021)
- Recognized for best T20I bowling performance (record figures)
