Why Did Rahul Chahar Replace Shami Midway Through His Spell?

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins made a bold and unexpected decision during a recent IPL 2025 match. He replaced veteran pacer Mohammed Shami with spinner Rahul Chahar, even though Shami still had one over left to bowl. This unusual move caught the attention of fans and experts alike.

In T20 cricket, it’s not common to see a bowler replaced by another bowler unless something drastic is happening. Usually, when a team is bowling second, they use the Impact Player rule to bring in a bowler instead of a batter for added control. However, Cummins surprisingly employed the rule.

Let’s break down why Rahul Chahar was chosen over Shami and what led to this major in-game call.

Shami’s Off-Day with the Ball

Mohammed Shami had a rough outing against the Mumbai Indians. He bowled three overs and conceded 28 runs without taking a single wicket. From the first ball of his spell, it was clear that Shami was not at his best. His pace was down. His lines were off. And his confidence looked shaken entirely.

The MI batters sensed the weakness and started targeting him aggressively. Shami’s economy was hurting the team’s chances of defending their total. That’s when Cummins decided to act.

Instead of waiting and risking another expensive over from Shami, Cummins used the Impact Player rule to bring in Rahul Chahar. The switch was bold, but it was also necessary.

Shami’s Poor IPL 2025 Form

Unfortunately, this wasn’t just a one-off performance from Shami. His entire IPL 2025 season has been underwhelming. SRH signed him with high expectations, hoping for match-winning spells. But in seven matches, Shami has managed to take just five wickets.

His economy rate of 10.88 is among the worst for a frontline pacer this season. One of his most disappointing performances came against the Punjab Kings. In that game, he gave away 75 runs in four overs, which stands as the second-worst spell in IPL history.

For a bowler of Shami’s caliber, this dip in form is worrying. He has lost rhythm, speed, and, most importantly, confidence. And when a bowler is down on confidence, even the best strategies fail to work.

Rahul Chahar: The Tactical Upgrade

With Shami struggling, Pat Cummins needed a new approach. That’s where Rahul Chahar entered the picture.

Rahul Chahar is a competent and experienced T20 spinner. He thrives on slow pitches and can control the game in the middle overs. In this match, the pitch offered grip and helped spinners. MI batters were attacking pace, but they were cautious against spin.

Cummins saw the opportunity and took a calculated risk. Rahul Chahar’s ability to bowl tight lines and force batters into mistakes made him the perfect fit for the situation. And it worked. Chahar immediately slowed down the scoring rate and built pressure.

The Role of the Impact Player Rule

The Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player mid-match. Most captains use it to bring in a bowler for a batter when defending a total. It provides teams with the flexibility to adapt as the match unfolds.

But replacing a bowler with another bowler is still rare. That’s what made this move so enjoyable. Cummins was not afraid to remove an underperforming bowler and bring in someone more suited to the conditions.

Rahul Chahar didn’t just fill in — he changed the momentum. He bowled with control and helped his team claw back into the contest. This was a perfect example of how the Impact Player rule can be used creatively.

Cummins Shows Brave Leadership

Captains are often judged by the decisions they make in crunch situations. Pat Cummins passed that test with flying colors in this match. Instead of sticking with a big-name player like Shami, he made the tough call. He prioritized the team’s needs over individual reputation.

It’s never easy to pull out a senior bowler mid-game, especially when they still have an over left. But Cummins backed his instincts and trusted Rahul Chahar. That call showed leadership, tactical awareness, and confidence in his team.

In a high-pressure tournament like the IPL, such decisions can make all the difference.

What This Means for Rahul Chahar

This match could be a turning point for Rahul Chahar. He proved that he can be relied upon in big moments. His ability to read the pitch, adjust quickly, and deliver under pressure was impressive.

Chahar has always been a skillful bowler. But now, with a captain like Cummins backing him, he may see a more regular role in the SRH setup. With several matches still to go, Rahul Chahar could become a key asset for Hyderabad.

Spinners tend to thrive in the second half of the IPL when pitches get slower. Rahul Chahar’s experience and skill set could give SRH the edge they need during tight games.

What’s Next for Shami?

For Mohammed Shami, the road ahead looks challenging. He is clearly out of form and struggling to make an impact. If his performance doesn’t improve soon, he may find himself on the bench more often.

However, Shami is a seasoned campaigner. He has bounced back from challenging situations before. But with young talent and in-form players like Rahul Chahar in the squad, he needs to perform quickly to keep his place.

SRH will be hoping he finds his rhythm soon. But until then, Rahul Chahar is the better choice for the team.

Final Thoughts

Rahul Chahar replacing Shami midway through his spell wasn’t just a tactical change — it was a message. Performance matters more than reputation in modern T20 cricket. Cummins read the game well and made the move that gave SRH a fighting chance.

With Chahar making an immediate impact and Shami struggling, this decision might be the beginning of more such bold calls from the SRH leadership.

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