The Chennai Super Kings’ approach to the IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be closely watched, and one of the most talked about trade trade is of veteran Ravindra Jadeja and Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson. Amid these talks, former CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin has identified three key players he believes the five-time champions should target if they become available in the IPL 2026 auction.
“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.
“This trade is wonderful for CSK and Samson in terms of brand identity, the opportunity to take over as captain, and being a top-order keeper-batter – so everything fits. But, given 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.
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“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, since he is the X-Factor. It is unlikely that with Ricky Ponting at the helm, James Hopes as assistant coach, and having reached the finals, kyu release karenge bhai (Why will they release him, brother)?”
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin expressed disappointment should the Chennai Super Kings decide on letting go of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. He said such a move will be “very unlike CSK, as they have always been known for stability and loyalty in terms of retention of players.” Ashwin says the fans’ feelings on Jadeja’s potential exit are understood, and he added that CSK “probably missed an opportunity by even thinking about the trade.”
“I totally get the emotional angle of the fans regarding Jadeja’s exit from CSK, but I am obliged to say that this is very unlike CSK. The sentiments of the fans are completely justified. CSK’s identity was built on stability and trust in its players, and that was a huge message. This is how CSK built a quality brand. Of course, it was all built around Dhoni, there is no doubt about that, and that is why this particular piece of news is a bit difficult for a lot of fans to digest. I am actually looking at it (the trade) again and again, and I am thinking CSK have probably missed a trick,” Ashwin said.
“All I have seen on Instagram over the last few days is about how they are all feeling bad about Jadeja leaving the franchise. Even in the comment section of the videos, people are abusing us, as if we had traded Jadeja out. They are telling me to ask CSK to stop the trade. In my view, this is a trade of chalk and cheese. In many ways, RR got the slot they needed to fill, and CSK got the face that they wanted,” he added.
