India leg-spinner Rahul Chahar is set to rejoin Surrey for their final eight matches in the upcoming County Championship season. Chahar, aged 26, had an impressive debut with Surrey last year, securing 10 wickets in a win against Hampshire, with remarkable second-innings figures of 8/51. These figures surpassed the club’s historical record set 166 years ago by William Mudie.
Chahar, who has played for India in white-ball cricket on seven occasions, will be back in action for Surrey starting June 7, following the conclusion of his commitments with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026. Expressing his enthusiasm, Chahar stated, “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.”
Having claimed 101 wickets in 27 first-class matches, Chahar has been part of Mumbai Indians’ IPL-winning squads in 2019 and 2020. He has also featured for Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL before joining CSK last year. Surrey’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart, praised Chahar’s previous performance, saying, “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.”
Surrey, the former County Championship Division One title holders from 2022 to 2024, will commence their 2026 campaign against Warwickshire in Birmingham on April 3. Last season, they finished as runners-up behind champions Nottinghamshire.
