IPL 2019 | Whenever I have a problem, I call up Imran Tahir, reveals Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar has undoubtedly been one of the surprise packages in this year’s IPL thus far. While last year, it was Mumbai Indians teammate Mayank Markande who grabbed the headlines, this year it has been Chahar who has impressed with his variations and knack of picking up wickets. Chahar made his IPL debut in 2017 for the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiants under MS Dhoni.

Still aged 19, Chahar is definitely a star for the future and has also played in the India U-19 team in the past. The young spinner revealed that as a kid he idolised legendary Australian leg spinner Shane Warne but now seeks constant advice from rival spinner Imran Tahir of Chennai Super Kings.

“When I was a kid, I would follow (Shane) Warne. Now, it’s Imran Tahir. He brings in variation and, no matter how the wicket or the conditions are, he generates turn. He knows how to bowl in every condition.

“I have his contact number. Whenever I have a problem, I call him up and he guides me. He always helps me. When I went to England with the India U-19 team (in 2017), I did not know how to deliver in those conditions. It is difficult to grip the ball there, and he told me to put some sand and tackle the situation,” Chahar said ahead of the final league match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

Chahar also recalled how he started his journey of becoming a spinner after his cousin, Deepak Chahar of Chennai Super Kings, asked him to do so. The starlet also revealed that it has been a lifelong dream for him to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

“I did not have so much talent or strength to be a fast bowler. ‘Bhaiya’ (brother) only suggested that I start to bowl leg spin.

“When I was a kid, my dream was to play for Mumbai Indians. When I debuted for Mumbai Indians for the first time, it was a great feeling — something that you get while donning the India jersey as well,” Chahar added.