Rahul Chahar joins Jammu and Kashmir as guest player for Ranji Trophy
Rahul Chahar has been signed as a guest player by Jammu and Kashmir for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.
Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has been signed as a guest player by Jammu and Kashmir for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. The 26-year-old is expected to make his debut for the defending champions in their third match against Baroda. J&K identified a specialist leg-spinner as a priority after Murugan Ashwin's involvement was limited to white-ball formats before his retirement.
Chahar has represented Rajasthan in domestic cricket since 2016 and played one ODI and six T20Is for India between 2019 and 2021. He has featured for four IPL franchises and most recently played county cricket for Surrey. The guest player arrangement allows J&K to supplement their squad with proven performers from other associations.
J&K won their first Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season and will begin their title defence without a recognised wrist-spin option until Chahar becomes available. His addition provides depth to the bowling attack at a crucial stage of the competition.
CricHubb Take
Chahar's signing gives J&K a genuine wicket-taking option in the longer format, something the defending champions lacked in their title-winning campaign last season.