Who said what - top 5 expert reactions on CSK's IPL 2026 Auction picks ft. R Ashwin

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made the most of their second-highest purse at the IPL 2026 auction, buying 10 players. While they let go of Matheesha Pathirana and Cameron Green, the five-time champions invested heavily in youngsters. The yellow army splurged INR 14.2 crore apiece on UP all-rounder Prashant Veer and Rajasthan’s wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, rewarding the two players for their brilliant season in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).

The Super Kings made late additions by buying in-form batters Sarfaraz Khan and Aman Khan. They then shelled out INR 5.2 crore to buy Rahul Chahar. Their overseas picks were Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Zak Foukes, and Matthew Short.

CSK have invested heavily in youngsters for IPL 2026.- Source: Getty

Ravichandran Ashwin

Former CSK all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin felt the franchise missed a trick by letting go of ‘generational talent’ Cameron Green at the IPL 2025 auction. He further asked the Super Kings to stay realistic about youngsters Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma after spending heavily on the duo. On this, Ashwin said on his YouTube channel:

“I felt Cameron Green would have been a great addition to CSK, I think they missed a trick, according to me. Whatever said and done, it is not about the price point. Green is a generational talent, and it is a brilliant acquisition for KKR.” “Firstly, let me say that Kartik Sharma is a brilliant player; he is a big talent, and there is no doubt about that, and Prashant Veer also has batting ability. But you don't get to buy experience in a store, no matter how much you try. There is an expectation that if you buy players for a massive sum, they will start winning you games from the start and deliver the IPL trophy to your house, it does not work like that. It is not that simple,” he added.

Kris Srikkanth

Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth felt that CSK missed a trick by letting go of Mustafizur Rahman. While speaking about death bowling issues, he said on his YouTube channel:

“CSK missed a trick by not getting Mustafizur. Once they decided to let go of Pathirana, they should have gone all out for Mustafizur. Even if he went for 12 or 15 crores, they should have signed him. CSK desperately need a bowler like him. They don't have a death bowler like that.”

The 1983 World Cup winner further commended the franchise for buying Akeal Hosein and Rahul Chahar. He continued:

“I still believe Akeal Hosein should be in the 11. He's a very good pick because, like Ravindra Jadeja, he bowls very well.” “Rahul Chahar is one good pick. He is a proven commodity and has been a good bowler in the IPL. He has always done well. Some people mentioned attitude issues with him, but I don't know about all that. But he's not a bad bowler, especially in Chennai conditions. He won Punjab a match against CSK in Chennai,” he added.

Sanjay Bangar

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar said CSK’s new approach was the main highlight of the IPL 2026 auction. He, however, pointed out that the franchise is heavily reliant on Nathan Ellis and Khaleel in the pace bowling department.

Bangar told ESPNcricinfo:

“The highlight of this auction is going to be the pivot of CSK. How they have changed their entire thought process about building a team. For me, this auction will be remembered for that once you look back in time.” “The concern for CSK would be the new ball attack. They will rely a lot on Ellis. Khaleel will look to play all the games. I think that is their concern area. They might play Matt Henry when they play outside Chepauk. That is the issue here. Last year, we were asking why they are playing Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda, so they have made those bold moves. They have faith in the four established batters they have. Overall, they have done a good job in the middle of a cycle,” he added.

Irfan Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan lauded CSK for buying Prashant Veer as a like-for-like replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. He also credited the Super Kings for acquiring in-form Sarfaraz Khan. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the cricketer-turned-analyst said:

“They have tried to go for like-for-like replacements, especially in the left-arm spin all-rounder role with Prashant Veer, and in Kartik Sharma, they have found a finisher who has been performing very well in domestic cricket. He has a strike rate of 160 and has hit 28 sixes in 12 matches. That is why they invested in him.” “Another positive is that Sarfaraz Khan has also been given an opportunity, which is nice to see,” he added.

Aakash Chopra

Former India opener Aakash Chopra looked surprised with CSK buying Rahul Chahar over Ravi Bishnoi at the IPL 2026 auction. He also pointed out that the Super Kings missed out on Venkatesh Iyer, Liam Livingstone, and David Miller. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 48-year-old said:

“They took Rahul Chahar. They didn't take Ravi Bishnoi. I was very surprised. They didn't think about Venkatesh Iyer, and I was very surprised. They didn't think about Liam Livingstone, David Miller, or any other overseas lower-middle-order batter. I was slightly surprised by that as well.” “They spent ₹14.20 crore on Kartik Sharma. They spent ₹14.20 crore on Prashant Veer. They spent ₹28.40 crore on two players. This is a huge pivot. I have never seen such a pivot in IPL history. They have changed the ideology and DNA,” he added.

Click here to check out the full CSK squad for IPL 2026.

Edited by James Kuanal