CSK Spinner Joins Surrey (Source: AFP)
CSK spinner Rahul Chahar is all set to join Surrey for the upcoming season of the County Championship. He will be available after finishing IPL 2026 commitments with the Chennai Super Kings.
Chahar was picked up by CSK this year during the mini-auction for a whopping price of over INR 5 crore. He will be their lead spinner heading into the IPL 2026, but Rahul has already started preparing for his life beyond the T20 league.
Rahul Chahar to continue playing County for Surrey
In an official announcement, Surrey confirmed that CSK spinner Rahul Chahar has been signed for an eight-game County Championship contract. His stint will begin after the IPL 2026 season on June 7, 2026.
Chahar’s first game will be against the Hampshire County Cricket Club at The Oval, and he will play the last eight matches of the season.
Interestingly, Rahul Chahar had a sensational debut for Surrey in 2025 as he took 10 wickets in a single match, including a career-best 8/51 in the second innings.
This spell broke a 166-year-old Surrey record as Rahul surpassed William Mudie’s 7/61 to register the best spell for the County club. This made a huge impression, which is why Surrey brought him back.
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Rahul Chahar is excited to rejoin Surrey
Meanwhile, in an official statement released by the club, Rahul Chahar said he was excited to return to Surrey for the 2026 County Championship season. He enjoyed his previous stint and wants to help Surrey win matches in 2026.
"I’m so excited to be coming back to Surrey this season. I really enjoyed my short spell in 2025 and jumped at the opportunity to come back this season when I spoke to Alec Stewart. Surrey is a successful club, and I want to help the team achieve its goals in 2026," Rahul said.
Even Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart praised him. He recalled Chahar’s debut game for the club and how impactful it was.
"Rahul came in last year and did an excellent job at Hampshire, showing his qualities. We’re. Looking forward to welcoming him back to the group and seeing how he can contribute to winning games of cricket for Surrey," Stewart said.
Chahar to make his debut for CSK
Meanwhile, before the County stint begins, Rahul Chahar is focused on the IPL 2026 season, as he is set to make his debut for five-time champions, CSK.
They trusted him by spending INR 5.20 crore during the auction, and it’s time for the spinner to return the favour. As for his IPL numbers, Chahar has picked up 75 wickets in 79 games at a 28.66 average.
He previously played for MI, PBKS and SRH. CSK, meanwhile, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals.
CSK will eye redemption this year after finishing at the bottom of the points table last year for the first time in the franchise’s rather glorious history.
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