Five-time IPL champions, CSK find themselves at an interesting point as they head into the IPL 2026 mini-auction. They endured the worst-ever season in IPL 2025, wherein they finished at the bottom of the points table. In the wake of a below-par season, the team knows they must rebuild wisely.
Fans are excited about rumours around a possible trade involving Sanju Samson, but former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the franchise needs to look beyond the noise and focus on what truly matters.
Ashwin, who understands the philosophy of CSK better than most, has suggested a clear three-player plan. In his view, the team’s main weaknesses were exposed last season, especially in the finishing department, the middle-overs spin, and the experience in the pace attack. To fix these issues, Ashwin named three players he thinks CSK should seriously target in the upcoming auction.
His suggestions aren’t random. They are thoughtful picks based on CSK’s structure and the likely releases across teams. The overall balance of the Chennai side needs to regain its winning identity.
1. David Miller
The first name on Ashwin’s list is David Miller, a powerful left-handed finisher who has proven his worth in crunch moments for years. According to Ashwin, Miller could be released by the Lucknow Super Giants, and if that happens, CSK should not let the opportunity slip.
Last season, CSK’s biggest headache was the lack of a strong finisher. With MS Dhoni no longer able to dominate the final overs like he once did, and with Ravindra Jadeja rumoured to be moving out, the lower middle order looked shaky. CSK often lost games they could have won simply because they did not have a batter who could close the innings with confidence.
That is where Miller fits perfectly. He can attack straightaway, handle pressure, and hit big sixes in the final overs. This surely makes him the ideal solution to CSK’s finishing concerns.
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2. Mohammad Shami
Ashwin’s second pick is Mohammad Shami. The veteran is one of India’s most reliable fast bowlers. Shami has a plethora of experience in his repertoire and it is exactly what CSK’s bowling attack needs.
Last season, CSK struggled with their pace department. They had talent, but not enough experience. Their bowlers often leaked runs upfront and failed to execute at the death. Shami brings both swing with the new ball and discipline at important stages of the match.
If he is released by his current franchise, Ashwin believes CSK should grab him instantly. Having an Indian fast bowler of his calibre gives a team more flexibility with team combinations, especially when choosing overseas players.
3. Rahul Chahar
With Ravindra Jadeja potentially heading to the Rajasthan Royals, CSK would suddenly find themselves without a proven spinner for the middle overs. That is why Ashwin’s third suggestion is Rahul Chahar, a wrist-spinner who has already shown he can handle responsibility in the IPL.
Chahar is still young but has the skills to become a long-term asset. He bowls a sharp googly, attacks batters instead of defending, and is fearless even when hit. CSK has always valued quality spinners, and Chahar could be the right investment if Jadeja leaves.
Ravi Ashwin Criticises CSK for Lack of Focus on Finishers
While discussing the potential Samson trade, Ashwin called it a “wonderful move” for both CSK and Samson. He acknowledged that Samson fits perfectly into the team’s culture and even has the potential to lead the side in the future. But Ashwin also pointed out something important. CSK still haven’t solved their biggest problem yet and it is finishing.
He used the example of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who focused on finishers and went on to win the title. RCB picked up Tim David and Romario Shepherd for just INR 4.50 crore combined. Both proved to be gold in the lower order.
Ashwin feels CSK should have shown similar urgency instead of thinking only about top-order players. In modern T20 cricket, a team without strong finishers is always one step behind.
