R Ashwin names 3 players CSK might target in IPL 2026 auction; doesn’t consider Cameron Green

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will primarily target three players at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction to plug the holes in their squad after a dismal campaign. The five-time champions are set for a major shake-up after having already roped in a few game changers midway through the previous season.

CSK are set to head into the auction with a decent purse, with a major factor being R Ashwin's recent retirement from the IPL. The franchise are in the hunt for a lethal finisher to operate in the back-end of the innings, as well as a chief spinner, should Ravindra Jadeja be traded to the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

R Ashwin has suggested that CSK go after David Miller to bolster their lower middle-order, if he is released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The former player also urged the franchise to go after wrist spinner Rahul Chahar and veteran seamer Mohammad Shami to complete their bowling attack.

"I know there is a lot of talk about Cameron Green to CSK, but I think they will target two players in particular. One is David Miller, if he is released, and the other is Mohammad Shami, who will probably be released. Another one could probably be Rahul Chahar," R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

All three aforementioned players had a tough season with their new franchises in IPL 2025. Both Miller and Shami made only a handful of appearances before being dropped from the side, while Chahar played only one match in IPL 2025, where he bowled just the one over.

"RCB are smiling in the corner" - R Ashwin slams CSK for not focusing on their finishing department ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

While R Ashwin feels that CSK bringing in Sanju Samson is a win-win for both parties, he questioned his former team's plans regarding their lower order.

The five-time champions' infusion of Dewald Brevis into the middle order worked wonders, but with the rumored exit of Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni's waning prowess, CSK are without a designated finisher.

R Ashwin cited the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as an example that prioritised their finishers and acquired the overseas pair of Tim David and Romario Shepherd for a combined sum of only INR 4.50 crore. The pair proved to be instrumental in the franchise's much-awaited title win in the end.

"This trade is wonderful for CSK and Samson in terms of brand identity, opportunity to take over as captain, a top-order keeper-batter, so everything fits. But, the state 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 base prices. I think Dinesh Karthik and the rest of the support staff will be smiling," R Ashwin said.

R Ashwin also implied that the noise surrounding Maxwell's release is baseless since the Australian heavy Punjab Kings outfit are very unlikely to part ways with the veteran all-rounder despite his shortcomings.

"PBKS also will not release anybody. People may say release Glenn Maxwell and all. A lot of fans of other teams want Maxwell to be released, because they want Maxwell, because he is the X-Factor. It is unlikely that with Ricky Ponting at the helm, James Hopes as asistant coach, and having reached the finals, kyu release karenge bhai? (Why will they release him, brother?)" he concluded.

PBKS had roped in Maxwell for the third time during the previous auction for a sum of INR 4.2 crore. The veteran player had a forgettable season, scoring only 48 runs in seven matches at an average of 8.00. He recently recovered from a freak wrist injury to be a part of the latter stages of the home T20I series against India.

Edited by Gokul Nair