‘Their first priority will be…’: Ravichandran Ashwin’s take on CSK’s high-stakes strategy for IPL 2026 auction
Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin proposed a detailed analysis of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bidding strategy for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auctions, who are defined by their need to strengthen the team after a dismal previous season. With a hefty purse of INR 43.40 crore, the five-time champions are expected to bid aggressively for players who meet their specific needs, especially after the withdrawal of big international names like Glenn Maxwell of the auction.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks CSK’s top priority for IPL 2026 auction
Ashwin has identified the players he believes CSK will prioritize to fill the voids in his squad, first focusing on an Indian all-rounder who was released after a lackluster 2025 season. He also identified an England power hitter as the perfect overseas replacement for a vacant spot.
“CSK’s first priority will be Venkatesh Iyer. They would have considered Maxwell in the other slot. Now that he is out, it will be Livingstone,” » Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, specifying tactical changes dictated by player availability.
This prediction comes despite Iyer’s disappointing IPL 2025 campaign with KKR, following a huge mega-auction price of INR 23.75 crore, and Iyer recording a maximum base price of INR 2 crore for the ongoing auction. In the meantime, Liam Livingstone (published by RCB) showed their form by breaking an undefeated 82 at ILT20 2025, making them a top target overseas. The space for these big purchases was created by the exit of players like Matheesha Pathiranaa decision that Ashwin called a very calculating decision. He explained that the aim was to free up funds to chase versatile stars:
“Most teams thought Andre Russell would be in the auction even before the release. With that in mind, CSK wanted to go with either Russell or Cameron Green. But they had no chance with 30 crores, and hence, Matheesha Pathirana looked like a very obvious exit.” Ashwin concluded.
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Chennai Super Kings IPL 2025 performance under MS Dhoni
The need for a significant strategic overhaul, as Ashwin pointed out, stems directly from Chennai Super Kings’ disastrous performance in the 2025 season, one of the worst in the franchise’s famous history. The team has struggled with consistency, both home and away, resulting in a historically poor finish in the league standings.
The poor results led to an urgent need for an aggressive reset:
- Final position: 10th place (last)
- Matches played: 14
- Matches won: 4
- Lost matches: 10
- Key statistic: For the first time in its history, CSK lost five matches at its home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
- Elimination: They were the first team to be officially eliminated from the playoffs.
Despite the collective failure of the team, a few players maintained their performance, with Shivam Dubey finishing Afghanistan’s top runs scorer and spinner Noor Ahmed topped the bowling charts with 24 wickets. This final ranking, coupled with the need to acquire high-impact players, validates the need for their current large auction purse (the second largest in the league) as they look to rebuild the core of the team.
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