Amid the IPL trade window talk, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Ravichandran Ashwin has predicted the costliest purchases in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

The IPL 2025 season has seen several star-studded teams finishing in the bottom half of the table. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time in IPL history, while Kolkata Knight Riders finished in eighth respectively.

Legendary former India spinner and CSK star Ravichandran Ashwin, who is himself at the centre of the IPL trade window gossip, has made his picks for the costliest buys of the IPL 2026 auction.

“This will be a mini auction where you’ll find it tough to get Indian players. Maybe only new players will come. The costly picks will be overseas players,” said Ashwin.

“A franchise releasing a big Indian player is a very risky formula. So many Australian players will come in the auction,” he added.

“You’ve got Mitchell Owen, who was a replacement player for three games for Punjab Kings. Then you’ve got someone like Cameron Green coming into the auction. They’ll go at a big price because they are foreign all-rounders,” Ashwin elaborated.

“The mini-auction will be a game of Rs 25-30 crore for all teams,” added Ashwin. Ashwin also suggested among Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Mayank Yadav could be among the high-profile Indian players who enter the auction.

Mayank was retained for INR 11 crores by LSG, but persistent injuries have limited his game time. Prior to the IPL 2026 mini-auction which is set to be held in November or December 2025, the IPL trade window has been heating up.

Sanju Samson and KL Rahul have been reported to be wanted by teams like CSK and KKR who are aiming to bounce back after poor seasons.

Ashwin also could be part of the trade window deals. Ashwin was purchased for INR 9.75 crore by CSK but endured an underwhelming season, picking up only seven wickets in nine matches.

On the other hand, Sanju Samson has handed a request to be traded or released into the auction to his franchise Rajasthan Royals due to differences with the team management.