“It feels like a prasadh for them” - R Ashwin’s huge remark on CSK-RR trade ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on the potential blockbuster trade involving the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). As per the latest ESPN Cricinfo reports, RR are almost certain to trade skipper Sanju Samson to CSK for veteran all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

While stating that both franchises will gain massively from the exchange, Ashwin claimed the deal is an incredibly attractive one for RR. The two teams finished at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table.

Talking about the CSK-RR trade and how Jadeja benefits RR on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said (6:24):

"It's been spoken about that his strike rate is poor against spin. But he doesn't play against spin mostly because he has been designated as the finisher. He has batted only down the order. And down the order, he is averaging 50 against the pacers with a strike rate in excess of 150. So when this goes to RR, it feels like a prasadh for them."

He continued:

"RR have four attacking batters in Jaiswal, Vaibhav, Parag and Jurel. But all four are players who haven't experienced handling pressure to give the finishing touches. It's like they can cook a brilliant meal but cannot complete the dessert. So an experienced Jadeja and Sam Curran, with his recent prowess with the bat, while adding extra overs, really adds teeth to RR."

While admitting that the trade took him by surprise from a CSK perspective, Ashwin believes the move could work wonders for them in the future.

"I didn't expect this trade at all from CSK. Nevertheless, it's a futuristic move getting Sanju as a seven-eight year bulletproof plan. A wicketkeeper batter and maybe a captaincy option. Both teams have gained from the trade but for RR, it's like a prasadh," he said.

Jadeja and Samson have been long-time stars of their respective franchises, with the former helping CSK win three out of their five titles and the latter leading RR since 2021.

"You won't get a better top three in the IPL" - R Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin believes CSK will boast arguably the best top three in the IPL with the presence of Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, the former off-spinner warned CSK about the possible void in the finishing role with the absence of Jadeja.

"What CSK gain from the trade is the ability for Ruturaj Gaikwad to bat at No. 3. And with Sanju opening, you won't get a better top three in the IPL. But what's consistently been worrying for CSK is the lack of another finisher with MS Dhoni. Brevis is a middle order enforcer. So when a Ravindra Jadeja or Sam Curran get released/traded, there is a vaccum in that position," said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).

He concluded:

"Can you fill that role even if you acquire Cameron Green for 28-30 crores? Many claim Jadeja at 37 is nearing the end. But if you watch him play Test cricket, it doesn't look like he is nearing his end. And playing Test cricket is no joke, you have to be on top of your skills."

Ashwin himself was part of the CSK side that finished at the bottom of the standings last season. The 39-year-old announced his retirement from the IPL after the franchise's disappointing 2025 campaign.

Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran