IPL 2024: Player Analysis: How did Rahul Chahar turn his season from struggle to success?

Rahul Chahar had a rocky start to the season, managing to secure only two wickets across his first three appearances. His struggles were compounded by his high economy rate of 11.4 runs per over during a particularly run-heavy first half of the IPL season. At 24 years old, Chahar was expected to be the leading leg-spinner for his T20 side, yet he failed to meet expectations. Instead of stemming the flow of runs or securing key dismissals, he seemed unable to influence the game effectively.

In a particularly disappointing outing against Bangalore, Chahar bowled just one over that cost 16 runs, and similarly, he didn’t fare well against Lucknow, where he conceded runs freely. His performance in the season opener also did not inspire confidence, as his economy of 8.3 matched the game’s run rate despite him taking a wicket. Following these underwhelming performances, Chahar was dropped from the team for five matches. During this period, Punjab Kings played four games at their new home ground in Mullanpur, a venue noted for its favorable conditions for spinners.

However, despite the potential advantage, Chahar’s form was deemed too poor for selection, and he remained sidelined. In his absence, the team struggled profoundly, losing all four matches at Mullanpur. This sequence of events underscored not only Chahar’s personal challenges in regaining form but also highlighted the impact his absence had on the team’s overall strategy and performance in the tournament.

See Also: IPL 2024: Player Analysis: How did Harpreet Brar’s disciplined spell lead to CSK’s submission?

In-depth Analysis of Rahul Chahar’s IPL 2024 Figures

🏏 How did Rahul Chahar turn his season from struggle to success?#ipl2024 #PunjabKings #Cricket pic.twitter.com/SXX9RPvaKF

— Saiprasad Kagne (@KEVLAR2601) May 5, 2024

Rahul Chahar made a comeback to the Punjab lineup for their match against Kolkata at Eden Gardens, and his return marked a significant improvement in his performance. The 24-year-old leg-spinner, once again, recorded figures of 1/33 over his four overs, but this time he did so with greater impact and assurance. Chahar made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Sunil Narine, who had scored a rapid 71 off 32 balls, effectively stalling Kolkata’s momentum.

In addition to taking a key wicket, Chahar emerged as Punjab’s most economical bowler in the match, boasting an economy rate of 8.3, which was significantly lower than Kolkata’s overall run rate by 4.8 runs. This performance brought his season totals to more respectable figures of 6/72 across 12 overs. Demonstrating reliability, Chahar has consistently completed his allocated four-over spells since his return, effectively slowing down the opposition while also contributing with wickets.

His recent performances suggest that the time away from the game might have been beneficial, allowing him to recalibrate and return with renewed focus and effectiveness. Rahul Chahar demonstrated his pivotal role in Punjab’s strategy during their away game against Chennai Super Kings, where he delivered an impressive performance, taking 2 wickets for just 16 runs. His victims included key players Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali, both crucial in CSK’s batting lineup. In the subsequent encounter against CSK, Chahar enhanced his reputation further by restricting their batting with a spell of 3/23.

He notably dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube, both integral to CSK’s resilience against spin, with his very first two deliveries of the match, dramatically reducing CSK from 69/1 to 69/3 in the span of an over. Chahar’s impact didn’t end there; he returned later in the innings to claim the wicket of Mitchell Santner, who was attempting to accelerate the score. Chahar’s consistent ability to perform well against top batters, particularly in crucial games, underscores his strategic importance to the team.

His performances have consistently made him Punjab’s most economical bowler in these matchups, indicating his effectiveness and reliability as a key player in their bowling arsenal. Rahul Chahar’s remarkable performances have come while bowling during the most challenging phases of the game. He frequently faces the daunting task of bowling to aggressive spin hitters in the middle or during the death overs. A testament to his skill and nerve came during a pivotal moment when he bowled the 19th over to MS Dhoni in Chennai, a master of the death overs, and impressively conceded only three runs, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.