"They can go for the auction casually with pakodas" - R Ashwin predicts a relaxed outing for former champions in IPL 2026 Auction

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the Gujarat Titans (GT) can put their feet up and have an eased outing during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction as they already have covered all their bases through retentions. The Shubman Gill-led franchise have not released any major name, and retained more or less the same squad that dominated the league stage in IPL 2025.

GT released some of their backup players like Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Dasun Shanaka, and Kulwant Khejroliya. The major overseas names to exit the franchise are Gerald Coetzee and Sherfane Rutherford, with the latter being traded to the Mumbai Indians (MI) for INR 2.6 crore.

R Ashwin feels that if Washington Sundar clicks higher up the order, and Rashid Khan finds his mojo, GT could have a memorable season in 2026.

"Why did GT release Rutherford? Because they believe that Washington Sundar can do that job. Their top three are solid on that ground. Sai and Gill's 500-500 runs are guaranteed. If Rashid Khan has a better season, they are a finals team. They can go to the auction casually with pakodas, can sit there and eat, and bring back some players," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

GT have five slots remaining, and a purse of INR 12.90 crore. The team, after occupying the top spot in the points table for the majority of the season, slipped in the business end to be knocked out by MI in the Eliminator.

"I would have thought once or twice more before releasing Shami" - R Ashwin on SRH's underwhelming bowling unit ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) parted ways with Mohammad Shami as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired him for INR 10 crore during the trade window. The veteran seamer had a dismal IPL 2025 campaign, but has been in fine touch for Bengal in the domestic season of late.

With other bowling options like Simarjeet Singh, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, and Wiaan Mulder also released, Ashwin is not convinced with SRH's bowling lineup.

"There was not much sense behind the idea of releasing Klaasen, because why would you leave him? SRH's bowling is concerning. I would have thought once or twice more before releasing Shami. Maybe Bharat Arun told Sanjiv Goenka to get Shami, and I will get the best out of him. Cummins' injury is a concern, they might look towards Travis Head as captain," Ashwin said.

Pat Cummins is currently nursing an injury that has ruled him out of the upcoming Ashes opener in Perth. The pacer has not played since the Caribbean tour in July 2025, and with the 2026 T20 World Cup lined up next, his workload could prove to be a serious concern.

Edited by Gokul Nair