Chennai Super Kings’ new spin signing, Rahul Chahar, confirmed on Friday, February 20, that he has divorced his wife, Ishani Johar. He shared a detailed post on social media to announce the end of their marriage after more than three and a half years.

The couple got married in Goa on March 9, 2022. In his statement, the 26-year-old cricketer said that the legal process has now been completed and the matter has been settled. He described this period as an important and life-changing phase for him.

After the news became public, Rahul Chahar posted a short message on Instagram. He wrote, “Calm, clean, and unbothered.” The caption was shared with a simple photo and showed that he is staying strong and positive as he moves ahead in life.

The divorce was officially finalized in court after 15 months of legal proceedings. The announcement came just before the IPL 2026 season. Many fans were waiting to see how the CSK spinner would react publicly.

His short but powerful message, “Calm, clean, and unbothered,” connected with many followers. Fans saw it as a sign of strength, acceptance, and confidence during a difficult time in his personal life.

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Fans Back Rahul Chahar Ahead of IPL 2026

Cricket fans have shown strong support for Rahul Chahar after his recent personal news. Many have praised his professional attitude and wished him success for the upcoming IPL season with the Chennai Super Kings. As a skilled leg-spinner, Chahar is respected in Indian cricket, and fans hope he stays focused and performs well on the field.

With the IPL season coming soon, his calm message shows that he is ready to move forward with clarity and focus. It also reminds people that sportspersons manage personal challenges while continuing their professional careers.

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IPL Journey and Career Record

Chahar will play for Chennai Super Kings after being bought for Rs 5.20 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He was first unsold but later picked in the accelerated round. He was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad before the auction.

In his IPL career, Chahar has played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 79 IPL matches, he has taken 75 wickets with an average of 28.66.

At the international level, Chahar has played 1 ODI and 6 T20 Internationals for India. He has taken 3 wickets in ODIs at an average of 18 and 7 wickets in T20Is at an average of 23.85. He last represented India during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

The trend of high-profile separations in Indian cricket has continued over the past two years. In 2024, Hardik Pandya confirmed his divorce, and later, Yuzvendra Chahal also went through a difficult phase in his personal life that led to the end of his marriage. Now, Indian leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has announced his separation from his wife, Ishani Johar. The couple was set to complete four years of marriage on March 9 next month; however, they have chosen to part ways amicably through mutual consent.

On Friday (February 20th), 26-year-old Rahul Chahar surprised everyone by announcing the end of his marriage. He shared this information on social media. He stated that he was closing this chapter of his life after 15 months of struggle. While the bowler didn't reveal the real reason for his marriage's end, he did mention that he married at a very young age and didn't understand the true meaning of his life at the time.

See Also: 26-Year-old CSK star announces divorce amid T20 World Cup 2026

The manner in which Rahul Chahar and Ishani Johar’s marriage came to an end was unexpected for many, considering the length and depth of their relationship. The couple had been together for several years before getting married in 2022. However, their paths have now diverged. As public interest grows around Rahul’s former wife, here are some key details about Ishani.

Who is Ishani Johar?

According to information available in media reports, Ishani Johar was born in 1999 in Bengaluru and is a professional fashion designer. She completed most of her schooling in Jaipur and Delhi before earning her degree from the University of Rajasthan. Currently based in Bengaluru, Ishani is actively working in the fashion industry and has established herself with notable professional achievements.

Rahul Chahar entered Ishani Johar's life through common friends. They developed a strong friendship, which later blossomed into love. Ishani and Rahul dated for several years and then took their relationship a step further by getting engaged in 2019. Afterward, in 2022, Ishani and Rahul decided to be together in a lavish destination wedding. However, their marriage has now suddenly ended.

Check out pictures of Ishani Johar

Rahul Chahar is gearing up to represent CSK in IPL 2026

In IPL 2026, Rahul Chahar will represent five-time champions Chennai Super Kings. He was previously part of Sunrisers Hyderabad last season but was released ahead of the mini-auction. Subsequently, Chennai Super Kings secured his services for ₹5.20 crore.

Rahul has already begun his preparations for the upcoming IPL season and recently shared training videos alongside his cousin, Deepak Chahar. Notably, Deepak was retained by Mumbai Indians, a franchise Rahul himself represented for three seasons earlier in his career.

The cricket world is abuzz with the T20 World Cup 2026, followed by the 19th season of the IPL. This time, several players are set to feature in new teams, including leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, who was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the mini auction. However, the bowler has taken a major step in his personal life and announced his divorce from his wife, Ishani Johar. Rahul and Ishani got married in 2022, and their fourth anniversary was on March 9, but they decided to part ways by mutual consent before that.

Rahul Chahar, who has played 7 international matches for India, shared a long post on social media on Friday, in which he announced his divorce. Rahul mentioned that he got married at a very young age, and at that time, he had no idea what kind of life he wanted to build. Additionally, Rahul stated that the divorce process had been going on for the past 15 months, which is now complete. He is now ready for a new beginning in his life.

See Also: Watch: Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan dances with wife to ‘Dhurandhar’ movie song amid T20 World Cup 2026

26-year-old Rahul Chahar wrote in a note shared on an Instagram post,

"I entered marriage at a young age, before I fully understood myself, my worth, or the life I truly wanted to build. What followed were years of lessons I never expected, and the last fifteen months spent navigating courtrooms, learning patience, resilience, and the strength that some from in truth."

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Rahul Chahar expressed the struggle of the past 15 months

The decision to divorce is never easy for anyone. Many times, even without any fault, one has to pay the price and face numerous difficulties to proceed with a divorce. Rahul also expressed the pain of his 15-month-long struggle. He wrote,

"Today, that chapter of my life formally comes to a close. After due legal process, the matter has been settled with my resolution that costed a lot, bringing finality to this phase of my life. I close this chapter not with anger or regret, but with clarity. Some relationships are not meant to last forever they are meant to awaken us, teach us, and transform us."

Rahul Chahar has not called his divorce an ending and has said that he is ready for a fresh start, leaving everything behind. He further wrote:

"I move forward wiser, more self-aware, and certain of the life I deserve to build. This is not an ending. It is a release. A reset. A promise that everything I create from here will stand on self-respect, peace, and better choices. I carry forward no bitterness-only lessons, dignity, and the courage to begin again."

During an exclusive interview, Rahul Chahar reveals his views on Virat Kohli. Chahar reveals how it feels to play under a captain like Virat Kohli, who is aggressive, intense, and always ready to offer his hundred percent to win a match. 

Rahul Chahar, known for his spin bowling skills, has so far played one T20I and 6 ODIs for Team India. During this period, he played mostly under captain Virat Kohli. So, Chahar got to know closely about the leadership qualities of the star cricketer. The spinner said that he felt very safe while Kohli was the captain, as he knew Virat was always there to show some support. 

"As a young bowler facing big international teams and power hitters like Kieron Pollard, there are moments of pressure, sledging, and intimidation. But you don’t feel small. You don’t feel alone. Because your captain is watching everything," Rahul Chahar said. 

Read More: Watch: Fans chanting 'Mumbai Cha Raja' as Rohit Sharma on field for Vijay Hazare Trophy match

"If Pollard says something, Virat Bhai doesn’t stay quiet at mid-off. He walks straight up and stands shoulder to shoulder with you, making it clear: don’t touch my bowler. That belief, that protection, that fire—it gives young players wings."

Chahar explains how supportive Virat used to be as a captain 

Chahar shares that Virat Kohli's mentality as the captain helped him to develop his game. Chahar can still remember the dressing room atmosphere while Virat was the leader, who is always ready to put everything on the line for winning a match. 

"Almost every game I played for India was under Virat Bhai. Growing up in that environment shapes you. When your captain is aggressive, intense, and fully invested, you feel safe as a player. Even if something goes wrong, even if you have a bad over, you know someone is standing with you," the spinner added. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What did Rahul Chahar say about Virat Kohli’s support for bowlers?

Chahar said Kohli always backed his bowlers, giving them confidence on the field.

How did Virat Kohli react when opposition sledged his bowlers?

Kholi would stand beside his bowlers, showing full support and defending them.

What qualities of Kohli’s captaincy did Chahar highlight?

He praised Kohli’s passion, intensity, and strong presence in the dressing room.

Has Kohli’s support impacted Chahar’s career?

Yes, Chahar felt more confident and improved under Kohli’s leadership.

Did Chahar play most matches under Kohli’s captaincy?

Yes, he played most of his international games when Kohli was captain. 

The Mumbai Indians (MI) are desperately putting their efforts into strengthening their bowling department. As per the latest reports, ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, the multi-time IPL franchise is on the way to reunite with Mayank Markande and Rahul Chahar. For Mayank, the franchise is reportedly engaged in conversation with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). 

It was previously reported that MI can rope in an extra spinner to make their bowling line-up stronger. Markande and Chahar, who both played for the Mumbai Indians, can reunite with the franchise ahead of the new Indian Premier League season. KKR bought the wrist-spinner, Mayank Markande, for INR 30 lakh at the mega auction last year but didn't give him a single game in the entire season.  

On the other side, Sunrisers Hyderabad bought Rahul Chahar for INR 3.20 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. For SRH, Rahul went to play only one match in the IPL 2025 season. After leaving Mumbai Indians for Punjab Kings, the spinner's career dipped down instead of taking off. After spending three seasons with Punjab Kings, Chahar moved to SRH, where he barely got any chance to perform. 

Read More: Sri Lanka releases official statement on remaining ODIs vs Pakistan post Islamabad blast

MI set to reunite with Mayank Markande and Rahul Chahar

Markande's IPL career graph has not been similar after leaving the Mumbai Indians. He debuted in the IPL with MI as a mystery spinner, played 14 matches in IPL 2018, and took 15 wickets, and a few seasons later he joined the Rajasthan Royals, then again joined MI in IPL 2022. He was with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023 and IPL 2024 and hinted at regaining his momentum. But joining Kolkata Knight Riders might be a wrong decision, as there he did not get any single match to perform in IPL 2025. 

Both Mayank and Rahul will definitely look to revamp their performance in the IPL, the same as the Mumbai Indians. The five-time IPL champions travelled on a bumpy road in the recent past. They are now desperate to revisit their glory days. The possible additions of Mayank Markande and Rahul Chahar will definitely help them to bolster their squad strength and bowling depth. 

Just for the last game of the County Championship 2025 clash against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, Surrey signed Rahul Chahar, the Indian leg spinner, as they looked to earn the top title in the race. It was also a great chance for the spinner to show his caliber, having been out of the team for a long time, ahead of the domestic season 2025-26.

In the first innings, Surrey batted first to end with a paltry score of 147 runs in 47.2 overs as Dan Lawrance was the leading individual run-getter with 36 runs in 60 balls, while Hampshire got a solid lead, having put 248 runs in their innings, as several batters got starts along with the lone half-century from Washington Sundar.

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It was important for Surrey to make a strong comeback in the second innings as they ended with 281 runs on the board, as Dom Sibley, Ben Foakes, and Lawrence crossed the 40-run mark in the innings, while Ralphie Albert ended with 63 runs in 90 deliveries at a strike rate of 70.

Watch: Rahul Chahar’s seven wickets in County Championship Division One 2025 for Surrey

The Southampton surface is always known to help the spinner, and that was the exact case on the third day. Rahul Chahar got an incredible purchase from the track as he sent back both the opening batters, Alistair Orr and Fletcha Middleton. On the other hand, Tony Albert ended with 13 runs in 20 balls.

The ninth wicket to fall! 🤩

What a finish to the 2025 season this is proving to be.

🤎 | #SurreyCricket https://t.co/uFXEHyQ5Ie pic.twitter.com/wsZU4huuar

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) September 26, 2025

Chahar finished the third day’s play with seven wickets to his name. He currently has impressive figures of 7/45 in 20 overs, including six maidens at an economy rate of 2.20. Hampshire need 33 runs for victory while Surrey need one solitary wicket to end the season with a win. The game is poised to be a thrilling contest.

The 26-year-old has overall picked up 87 wickets in 40 first-class innings at an average of 28.01 and a strike rate of 45.2 with the help of six four-wicket and seven five-wicket hauls at the best bowling figure of 5/59 in an inning.

The former leg spinner of the Mumbai Indians side, Rahul Chahar, has recalled a moment from the first qualifier of the 2020 season of the Indian Premier League at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where he shared the ins and outs of the bond and motivation of the Nagpur-born and how the latter handled the situation.

Mumbai Indians won the IPL clash comfortably to make their way into the final of the season. However, in the 201-run defense, Rahul didn’t enjoy a great time with the ball in the second innings. Delhi’s top three returned to the pavilion for zero runs in 1.2 overs. However, Chahar ended with figures of 0/35 in two overs as he was about to leave the field with his head down.

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“So many times, (Rohit bhai showed his leadership). There’s one incident I can never forget. It was our semifinal against Delhi. I had gone for around 30 runs and was walking with my head down. Rohit Bhai held my hand and said, ‘Walk ahead, lead the team. He said that if you had not done well in one game, the entire season has gone well.” Chahar expressed during a recent podcast, as the video went viral.

Watch: Rahul Chahar gives example of how Rohit Sharma motivated him during IPL 2020

Chahar, the 26-year-old, has featured in seven games for the national side to collect 10 wickets with the best of 3/15 in an innings during the T20Is. In the history of the 78 IPL innings, he has grabbed 75 wickets at an average of under 29 and an economy rate of 7.72.

Rahul Chahar : There’s one incident I can never forget. It was our semifinal against Delhi. I had gone for around 30 runs and was walking with my head down. Rohit Bhai held my hand and said, ‘Walk ahead, lead the team.’

Rohit Sharma- A true leader 🙌🏻

pic.twitter.com/JFbygrUmOF

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) September 4, 2025

“The motivation is always there from him. Not only in the field that he motivates you. There had been a time when I was sitting in the team meeting, and I was sitting between Rohit bhai and Kieron Pollard. I don’t know how to deal with it. But Rohit bhai takes charge and starts talking. He knows how to manage those situations.” Chahar added.

On the other hand, Rohit is expected to appear for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia down under. He aims to keep his fitness at its best to keep playing till the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Former Mumbai Indians (MI) spinner Rahul Chahar opened up on Hardik Pandya taking over as captain from Rohit Sharma in IPL 2024. Hardik returned to MI after a trade from Gujarat Titans (GT) and was immediately handed the captaincy. The move drew backlash from fans, with Rohit’s removal not sitting well and Hardik facing boos in multiple games.

Chahar stressed that captaincy decisions depend on the connection between the franchise and the player. He explained that what someone contributes on the field matters more than the leadership tag. Chahar also pointed out that irrespective of what happens within the franchise, it should never show on a player’s face.

"Life goes on. Every team will have its time; there will be new captains. We can't tell anything like that. It is about their connection and who they want to make the captain. But I think it is important as to what you do for the team. Even as a player, Rohit is cool. It's all perfect unless you don't have needs from someone. I think that's what MI wanted: that you give your 100% and nothing should be seen on anyone's face. Not only MI, but any team," Chahar told Filmygyan.

Rahul Chahar on Rohit Sharma’s leadership

Rahul Chahar also reflected on his time under Rohit Sharma at MI from 2019 to 2021 during which he was part of 2 IPL title-winning squads. He praised Rohit for his cool demeanor, saying the captain always knew how to handle players differently and would back them in tough moments.

Watch the video here

See Also: India 2013 Champions Trophy winner retires from international cricket

The 26-year-old also remembered the IPL 2020 Qualifier 1 against Delhi Capitals, in which he conceded 35 runs in two overs. While accepting that his performance wasn't his best, Rohit told him to make sure he led the team back and that one performance could not take away from an excellent season. Chahar noted that Rohit’s ability to motivate teammates has been central to MI’s success, which includes five IPL trophies under his captaincy.

Mumbai Indians (MI), who have won the IPL five times, had a mixed season in IPL 2025. Under captain Hardik Pandya, they started badly by losing four of their first five matches.

But after that, MI made a strong comeback. They won six matches in a row and seven out of their last nine games. Because of this, they finished fourth in the points table and reached the playoffs.

MI won the Eliminator match against Gujarat Titans (GT), but lost to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2. For a team with many star players, not reaching the final was a big letdown.

This was also MI’s fifth season without winning the IPL title, which is a long time for such a big team. As they get ready for IPL 2026, MI will try to make their team better and fix the weak spots. In this article, we will talk about 3 players MI should try to trade for after IPL 2025.

1. Rahul Chahar – Good Spin Option

Mumbai Indians (MI) had problems with spin bowling in IPL 2025. Mitchell Santner took 10 wickets in 13 games, Karn Sharma got 7 in 6 matches, and new player Vignesh Puthur took 6 in 5 games before getting injured. But overall, the spin bowling was not strong. Rahul Chahar played only 1 match for SunRisers Hyderabad and bowled just 1 over. So SRH may not keep him next season. MI can bring him back. He played well for MI in 2019 and 2020. He took 41 wickets in 39 matches for MI. His return can fix MI’s spin problem.

2. Aaron Hardie – A Handy All-Rounder

Aaron Hardie was with Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 but did not play. MI can take this chance to bring him in. He played 84 T20 matches, scored 1,464 runs with 6 fifties, and took 41 wickets. He has also played 13 T20s for Australia. MI need another all-rounder if Hardik Pandya is not available. Hardie can fill that role. If both play together, it will help MI a lot.

3. T. Natarajan – Left-Arm Fast Bowler

MI already have good fast bowlers like Boult, Bumrah, and Deepak Chahar. But Deepak gets injured often, and Bumrah needs rest sometimes. Natarajan can be a good backup. He played only 2 games for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 due to injury. But he is experienced. He played 63 IPL games and took 67 wickets. His yorkers are very good. If fit, he will make MI’s bowling even stronger.