Sanjay Bangar says Rahul Chahar is an underrated bowler ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar said Rahul Chahar is an underrated bowler ahead of IPL 2026 auction. Bangar is hopeful that the Rajasthan Royals will acquire the services of the leg-spinner.

Chahar has picked 75 wickets in 79 IPL matches at an average of 28.67 and an economy rate of 7.72. However, Chahar was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. 

Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports, “Rahul Chahar has a lot of ability. He can stop a little and deliver the ball. He can bowl slow in the air, and he has a lot of experience as well. These qualities can prove advantageous for him, although he didn’t get many opportunities in the last two places he played.”

“He is a very underrated bowler. Whichever team he goes to, they will definitely gain. I believe he will go to the Rajasthan Royals because it’s his home state as well, and the Rajasthan Royals need a spinner. So I would definitely want Rahul Chahar to go to RR,” the former India all-rounder added.

On the other hand, Bangar said SRH will need a bowler like Wanindu Hasaranga in the upcoming season of the IPL.

“Hasaranga started with RCB. After that, there has been a slight dip in his form. He has the ability to bowl leg spin and wicket to wicket. SRH is a team where he can go because SRH needs a player with that skill set,” he said.

Bangar added that SRH could also look to rope in the services of Ravi Bishnoi in the auction.

“He can be more useful on pitches where the ball stays slightly low. I feel he can go to SRH, and that team can benefit from his skill,” Bangar observed.

The IPL 2026 auction is all set to take center stage on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.