Deepak Lokendrasingh Chahar, born on August 7, 1992, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a prominent Indian cricketer renowned for his right-arm medium-pace bowling and right-handed batting skills. Over the years, Chahar has made significant contributions to Indian cricket, both in domestic circuits and on the international stage.
Personal Information
Parameters | Details |
Full Name | Deepak Lokendrasingh Chahar |
Date of Birth | August 7, 1992 |
Age | 32 years |
Birthplace | Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Parents | Father: Lokendrasingh Chahar (retired Indian Air Force officer) Mother: Pushpa Chahar (homemaker) |
Siblings | Sister: Malti Chahar (model and actress) Brother: Rahul Chahar (cousin, fellow cricketer) |
Marital Status | Married to Jaya Bhardwaj (since June 1, 2022) |
Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
Eye Color | Black |
Role | Bowler |
Batting Style | Right-handed |
Bowling Style | Right-arm medium pace |
Early Life
Deepak Chahar’s journey into cricket began at the tender age of 10 when his father, Lokendrasingh Chahar, enrolled him in a cricket academy in Jaipur. Recognizing his son’s potential, Lokendrasingh took early retirement from the Indian Air Force to dedicate himself to nurturing Deepak’s cricketing career. This unwavering support laid a strong foundation for Deepak’s future endeavours in the sport.
Career
Domestic Career
Chahar’s domestic career took off dramatically during the 2010-11 Ranji Trophy season. On his first-class debut for Rajasthan against Hyderabad, he delivered an extraordinary performance, securing figures of 8 wickets for 10 runs. This feat led to Hyderabad being bowled out for a mere 21 runs, the lowest total in Ranji Trophy history at that time.
His impressive swing bowling skills soon caught the attention of IPL franchises. He was initially signed by the Rising Pune Supergiants and later became a pivotal player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). During his tenure with CSK, Chahar’s ability to swing the ball both ways made him a valuable asset, especially in the powerplay overs.
International Career
Chahar made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for India on July 8, 2018, against England. He showcased his potential as a reliable bowler in the shortest format of the game. Later that year, on September 25, he debuted in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Afghanistan during the Asia Cup.
One of the highlights of his international career came on November 10, 2019, during a T20I match against Bangladesh. Chahar recorded exceptional bowling figures of 6 wickets for 7 runs, which included a hat-trick. This performance not only secured a victory for India but also set a new record for the best bowling figures in T20I cricket at that time.
Latest News
In the IPL 2025 mega auction held in November 2024, Chahar was signed by the Mumbai Indians for ₹9.25 crore. This move ended his long-standing association with CSK. Expressing his feelings about the transition, Chahar mentioned, “I will miss playing with Dhoni.”
Controversies
Throughout his career, Chahar has maintained a reputation as a disciplined and dedicated player, with minimal involvement in controversies. The most notable discussion arose from his high-value transfer to the Mumbai Indians in 2024, which led to debates among fans and analysts about the implications of such a move.
In November 2024, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, Chahar was acquired by the Mumbai Indians for a substantial Rs. 9.25 crore. This move marked the end of his long-standing association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a team with which he had achieved considerable success. The transition sparked discussions among fans and analysts, especially after Chahar expressed his sentiments about leaving CSK and missing the opportunity to play under the leadership of MS Dhoni. He candidly shared his feelings, stating, “I will miss playing with Dhoni.
Associated Brands
In addition to his cricketing commitments, Chahar has ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2023, he launched his own sports line, “DNINE Sports,” which offers a range of sports-related products, including cricket equipment, apparel, and accessories.
Upcoming Projects
As of February 2025, Chahar is gearing up for the upcoming IPL season with the Mumbai Indians. Fans and analysts are keen to see how his inclusion will bolster the team’s bowling lineup and what impact he will have in the forthcoming matches.
10 Lesser-Known Facts about Deepak Chahar
Here are 10 lesser-known facts about Deepak Chahar:
- Rejected by Greg Chappell – When Deepak Chahar was 16, former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell, who was then the Director of the Rajasthan Cricket Association Academy, rejected him, saying he didn’t have the potential to be a fast bowler. Chahar later proved him wrong by excelling in domestic and international cricket.
- Holds the Best T20I Bowling Figures – On November 10, 2019, against Bangladesh, he took 6 wickets for just 7 runs, the best bowling figures in T20I history at that time. This also included a hat-trick, making him the first Indian male cricketer to achieve this feat in T20Is.
- Once Considered Quitting Cricket – After struggling with injuries and rejection in his early years, he considered giving up cricket. However, his father, Lokendrasingh Chahar, encouraged him to continue and personally coached him.
- His Sister is a Bollywood Actress – Deepak’s sister, Malti Chahar, is an actress and model who has appeared in Bollywood films and gained popularity as a CSK fan during IPL.
- Proposed to His Wife on Live TV – Deepak Chahar proposed to his longtime girlfriend Jaya Bhardwaj in the stadium after an IPL match between CSK and PBKS in 2021. The romantic gesture went viral on social media.
- Launched His Own Sports Brand – In 2023, Deepak launched “DNINE Sports,” a sportswear and cricket equipment brand. He actively promotes it on social media.
- First Indian Bowler to Take a Hat-Trick in T20Is – His 6/7 spell against Bangladesh also included a hat-trick, making him the first Indian male cricketer to take a T20I hat-trick.
- Started as a Batsman – Before becoming a swing bowler, Deepak Chahar initially trained as a batsman. His all-round skills were later noticed, and he evolved into a bowling all-rounder.
- Scored a Crucial ODI Fifty for India – In an ODI against Sri Lanka in July 2021, he scored an unbeaten 69 runs, leading India to a thrilling victory from a losing position.
- Close Bond with MS Dhoni – Chahar considers MS Dhoni his mentor and credits him for shaping his IPL career at Chennai Super Kings. After joining Mumbai Indians in 2025, he expressed sadness about leaving CSK, saying, “I will miss playing with Dhoni.”