Chahar returned match figures of 10 for 118, which included 8 for 51 in the second innings, as Surrey beat Hampshire by 20 runs at the end of last season. It secured Surrey’s second-placed finish and looked certain to condemn Hampshire to the second division of the County Championship, only for Durham to collapse against Yorkshire and be relegated instead.

Chahar will spend the upcoming IPL season with Chennai Super Kings and will travel to London soon after. Surrey said in a statement on Thursday that he would be available for the final eight Championship matches of the season, starting with their fixture against Hampshire at The Oval on June 7.

Stewart said: “Rahul came in last year and did an excellent job at Hampshire, showing his qualities. We’re looking forward to welcoming back to the group and seeing how he can contribute to winning games of cricket for Surrey.”

Surrey will rely on Sean Abbott as their main overseas signing for the first half of the Championship season, after announcing last week that he will return to the club for eight first-class fixtures and the T20 Blast.