East India And Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin He has outlined a targeted three-player strategy he believes the Chennai franchise should follow Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The mega-auction to address specific weaknesses exposed during their disappointing last campaign.
Despite discussion about trade sanju samsonAshwin pointed out that CSK’s lower order and bowling attack still have significant shortcomings which need to be filled with experienced talent.
Ravichandran Ashwin names 3 players whom CSK should target in IPL 2026 auction
Ashwin suggested that the five-time champion needs a lethal finisher, a lead spinner (especially if Ravindra Jadeja Is traded), and an experienced Indian fast bowler. The three names he has put forward are experienced campaigners who had a tough time last season and could be released by their current franchises, making them available in the auction:
“I know there is a lot of talk about Cameron Green at CSK, but I think they will target two players in particular. One is David Miller, if he is released, and the other is Mohammed Shami, who will probably be released. The other one could probably be Rahul Chahar.” Sportskeeda quoted Ashwin as saying.
Ashwin’s reasoning for these selections is clear:
- David Miller: To strengthen the lower middle order and provide a much-needed powerful finisher, especially if he is released Lucknow Super Giants (LSG),
- Mohammed Shami: Taking advantage of the potential availability of Indian fast bowlers, completing their bowling attack with an experienced seamer.
- Rahul Chahar: To act as the main wrist-spinner, filling the void that would arise in the middle overs if Jadeja is sent in as per rumours. Rajasthan Royals (RR) The final form has been given.
Also read: CSK’s most expensive players in every IPL auction: From Ravindra Jadeja to Ben Stokes
Ashwin criticizes CSK’s finishing problem amid Sanju Samson trade
While admitting that the proposed Sanju Samson trade is a “win-win” for both the player and CSK’s brand identity, Ashwin was highly critical of his former team for neglecting the lower-order finishing department, a problem made worse by Jadeja’s rumored departure and MS Dhoni’s declining strength. he cited Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) As a franchise that prioritized finishers and won titles as a result.
Ashwin highlights missed opportunities, noting RCB got overseas pair tim david And Romario Shepherd For a combined sum of just Rs 4.50 crore, and they proved instrumental in the title win. He concluded that focusing on top-order player Samson leaves CSK with a crucial finishing shortage, a problem they will have to address in the upcoming auction.
“The brand recognition, the opportunity to take charge as captain, this trade for CSK and Samson as a top-order keeper-batsman is amazing, so everything fits. But, given the position the team is in, what did they need? They needed a power hitter and a finisher. RCB are smiling in the corner because they have Tim David and Romario Shepherd for the base price.” Ashwin concluded.
Also read: IPL 2026: No home match for RCB at Chinnaswamy Stadium? Here’s what we know
