Main points:
Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his views on CSK’s strategy ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. He believes that the team can buy either Nitish Rana or Venkatesh Iyer. These players can bat well on the slow pitch of Chepauk.
Delhi: For the last few days, news of trade deal between Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been coming rapidly. Meanwhile, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views on CSK’s strategy before the mini auction of IPL 2026.
CSK will target Nitish-Venkatesh
Ashwin believes that CSK will try to buy either Nitish Rana or Venkatesh Iyer. He said that if Sanju Samson comes to CSK and opens with Ruturaj Gaikwad, then the team will need a left-handed batsman at number 3. Both Nitish and Venkatesh are suitable for this position.
He also discussed the fitness of the players on the slow pitch of Chepauk. Ashwin said, “Nitish, being short in height, can play easily on the square boundary and Venkatesh has also played good innings at Chepauk. If CSK makes this deal, then their batting lineup can look like this – Samson and Rahane opening, Nitish or Venkatesh at number-3, then Dewald Brewis and Shivam Dubey, Cameron Green at number-6.”
Ashwin said that both the players have not been very impressive in IPL 2025, but their flexibility and batting technique can be useful for CSK. Right now this is just a guess and the team has not officially announced the release of any player.
