Trade speculation has emerged ahead of the IPL 2027 season regarding a potential exchange between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings involving finisher
Ashutosh Sharma and spinner Rahul Chahar. The scenario has been discussed in cricket circles as franchises prepare for the upcoming auction, though no official confirmation has come from either team or the IPL.
Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the rumoured trade, expressing strong reservations about Delhi parting with Ashutosh. Chopra believes the deal would heavily favour Chennai and leave Delhi worse off, particularly given Ashutosh's recent performances and value to the franchise.
Delhi Capitals have traded Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants to bring in Rishabh Pant. The Axar Patel-led side do need a wrist spinner. However, Chopra wondered whether Chahar would fit the bill.
"Everyone is saying that he is an all-rounder, so why is Delhi letting him go? However, is Delhi letting him go? I am not sure. They will not give him in exchange for Rahul Chahar. Yes, they have let Kuldeep go, and they need a spinner, but will Rahul Chahar be that spinner?" Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Why Chopra believes Delhi should not make this trade
Chahar managed just one appearance for Chennai in the IPL 2026 season, conceding 46 runs off four overs after being signed for INR 5.2 crore at the auction. Chopra said that Delhi will be the "loser" if they trade Ashutosh to Chennai because he is an incredible batter down the order.
"It's a big question, and if they have to give Ashutosh in exchange for him, then it's a bad trade. In my opinion, that trade is skewed in favor of Chennai. Chennai will be very happy if they get Ashutosh. Hopefully, they will be able to use him better than Delhi did," Chopra said.
"Delhi will be the loser. Why will Delhi let go of Ashutosh? Play Ashutosh. He is an incredible batter down the order." he added.
The performance gap between Ashutosh and Chahar
The proposed trade remained speculative at this stage, with no confirmation from Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings or the IPL. Ashutosh's value as a finisher and his recent performances had made him a key asset for Delhi, and Chopra's assessment reflected broader concerns about whether the franchise would realistically part with him for a player who had struggled to establish himself at his new franchise.
"Now he also bowls a little, and although it's a separate issue how much his bowling would work in the IPL, Delhi shouldn't let him go. Definitely not for Rahul Chahar. It won't be the right thing if they do that," he added.
