• Home
  • Match Hub
  • County Delight Rahul Chahar Makes Surrey Debut Special With Exceptional 7 Fer

County delight! Rahul Chahar makes Surrey debut special with exceptional 7-fer

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rahul Chahar scalps seven wickets [Source: AFP]Rahul Chahar scalps seven wickets [Source: AFP]

India leg-spinner Rahul Chahar had a dream debut for Surrey in the final round of the 2025 County Championship against Hampshire. Playing at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, the 25-year-old leg-spinner produced a stunning performance, taking seven wickets in Hampshire’s second innings to put Surrey within touching distance of victory.

Surrey did not start well in the game. Batting first, they were bowled out for just 147 runs. Washington Sundar, Chahar’s Indian teammate but playing for the opposition, took three quick wickets, including Chahar’s, to wrap up the innings. Hampshire replied strongly, scoring 248 in their first innings. 

Chahar worked hard with the ball, bowling more overs than any Surrey bowler and picking up two wickets, including Sundar who top-scored with 56. That gave Hampshire a healthy 101-run lead.

Surrey fought back in their second innings, posting 281. Ralphie Albert made a valuable 63, while Chahar chipped in with 10 runs. This set Hampshire a target of 181 to win and avoid relegation.

Rahul Chahar Dismantles Hampshire in Season Finale

It was then that Chahar turned the match on its head. He bowled superbly, removing Hampshire opener Fletcha Middleton early, then striking again to dismiss Toby Albert. While Dan Lawrence took two wickets, Chahar did the bulk of the damage, tearing through the middle and lower order. Among his seven wickets was Sundar once again, caught by Surrey captain Rory Burns.

By the end of the third day, Hampshire were nine wickets down for 148, still 33 runs short of victory. Chahar finished with career-best figures of 7/45 from 20 overs, marking his eighth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. Surrey now need just one wicket on the final day, while Hampshire need a tense 33 runs, leaving the match finely balanced.

Chahar, who represents Rajasthan in domestic cricket and has played one ODI and six T20Is for India, has shown his class in English conditions.