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“He's Very Supportive”: Rahul Chahar Opens Up About Playing Under Virat Kohli

Poulomi Chakraborty

Rahul Chahar On Kohli's Leadership (Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com)Rahul Chahar On Kohli's Leadership (Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com)

Once hailed as Team India’s future spin sensation, Rahul Chahar’s off-form deepened the uncertainty of his international career. Being a household name in domestic cricket and IPL, he is now a forgotten star.

But the former MI-bowler made his international debut under Virat Kohli. In a recent interaction, he opened up about his experience playing under Kohli’s leadership.

Rahul Chahar Reflects On Kohli’s Captaincy

After grabbing the limelight in the domestic circuit, Rahul Chahar made his way into the IPL. Donning the Mumbai Indians’ iconic jersey, the youngster set the stage on fire. Showcasing his excellence, he earned his maiden international call-up in 2019 and made his T20I debut against the West Indies under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

Making a debut in Virat Kohli’s captaincy remained the dream of many, but Rahul Chahar lived up to this. In an interview with Filmygyan, the spinner reflected on his time under Kohli, praising the former skipper’s supportive approach and his encouragement for young players.

“Virat Kohli bhai is a Great Captain. He's very supportive, he never talk negative things to you. And His aggression for opposition team, not for our team & players. He always said 'Khul ke rah, Mast rah, Khul ke ball Dal, main Khada hoon, koi tension mat le (Be free, stay chill, bowl with full freedom, I’m standing right here, don’t worry about anything). He backed players and supports them,” he said.

Making his debut in IPL 2017, he appeared in 79 IPL matches and secured 75 wickets with an economy rate of 7.72. Making his T20I debut for India in 2019, he played his last T20I match in 2021. He made his ODI debut in 2021 against Sri Lanka and remained out of the squad after that. In IPL 2025, he featured in just one game for SRH and is now aiming for a stronger comeback.