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Xtra Time Web Desk: Mumbai Indians’ leg spinner Rahul Chahar did not have a great start to the IPL 2021 season. The cricketer from Bharatpur went wicketless in MI’s opening encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), ending on the losing side. But the leg spinner bounced back to rhythm against Kolkata Knight Riders in the next match, picking 4/27 as the defending champions registered a remarkable 10-run victory in a low-scoring thriller. In the next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Rahul once again made most of the slow conditions in Chennai and took three wickets in his four-over spell to dry out the runs in the middle overs. Mumbai won the match by 13 runs to register their second consecutive win. The performances of Rahul earned him high praises from MI Head Coach Mahela Jayawerdene. It was Chahar’s quick adaptability to the slow turner at Chepauk helped Mumbai finish the Chennai leg with two wins out of three.

Talking about Rahul Chahar, cricket runs in his genes. His elder brother Deepak has played for India much before Rahul made his T20I debut against West Indies in August 2019. Born in a remote small town Bharatpur, 180 kilometres from Jaipur, Rahul Chahar began playing cricket at the age of 8 years. He started as a fast bowler watching his cousin Deepak. However a serious advice from his paternal uncle and elder brother Deepak influenced him to bowl spin. The reason for Rahul deciding against bowling fast was his young shoulders couldn’t propel the ball high up the pitch, almost dying when it reached the batsman.

Rahul sacrificed his studies to devote full attention to cricket. His graduation in age level cricket went smoothly before he got an opportunity to represent India U19. He failed to miss the cut for the India U19 squad for the World Cup in New Zealand. But that did not shatter his confidence as he kept trying hard.

He was once scolded by India U19 coach Rahul Dravid for being selfish. Despite picking a five-fer against Nepal in U19 Asia Cup, the former India coach got upset for deliberately giving singles to a set batsman. Dravid’s stern words still rings in his ears and has helped him become a better bowler.

Rahul’s big moment came when he was picked by Rising Pune Supergiant in IPL 2017. It was a great experience for the young spinner, sharing the dressing room with the likes of MS Dhoni and Steve Smith. He was snapped up by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2018.

He was part of the champion MI side in 2019 and 2020. Rahul was awarded the Game Changer of IPL 2019, thereby clearing his roads for the senior India team. Since making his T20 debut against West Indies, Rahul has played 3 T20Is for the country.