Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has made a significant claim regarding Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) strategy for the IPL 2026 auction. The legendary spinner stated that CSK will not target Australian all-rounder Cameron Green in the upcoming auction. Ashwin elaborated on why Green does not fit into the team’s plans, emphasizing the team’s existing lineup and player roles.
Ashwin, however, suggested that CSK might want to push Green’s price higher in the auction. The Chennai-based franchise could deliberately stretch Green’s price to benefit their team strategy. Instead, Ashwin believes CSK will focus on securing seasoned all-rounder Andre Russell, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the mini-auction.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said:
“CSK have two slots to fill — a spinner and a finisher. In this particular setup, Cameron Green is a no. There is a lot of talk that CSK should go for Green and bring him in. Firstly, CSK will not get Cameron Green, and secondly, in this line-up, he will not sit well. He is not a finisher. He will have to play after Mhatre, Ruturaj, Brevis, Dube, and maybe even Dhoni.
The ideal batter to come and finish the innings is Andre Russell. I have seen the CSK analyst put up Dre Russ, so I think they will go for him.”
Ashwin also warned that CSK might have to “break the bank” if they want either of the two all-rounders. He expressed optimism that the Super Kings might try to rebuy Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, while suggesting that pursuing another experienced all-rounder like Glenn Maxwell could be off the table.
He added:
“CSK don’t need Green as desperately as KKR need. But CSK also have the responsibility of pushing Green’s price. If CSK don’t stretch KKR to over ₹20 crore for Green, then they will again come back for Russell. Then CSK will not get both of them. CSK have to break their bank on one player.
It will be nice if they try to get Pathirana back. If they had let go of Overton, they could have pushed for Maxwell.”
### CSK’s Auction Purse and Player Retention
With ₹43.40 crore remaining, CSK hold the second-highest purse ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, only behind KKR, who have ₹64.30 crore in their bank.
**CSK retained players list:**
– Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
– Ayush Mhatre
– Dewald Brevis
– MS Dhoni
– Urvil Patel
– Shivam Dube
– Jamie Overton
– Ramakrishna Ghosh
– Noor Ahmad
– Khaleel Ahmed
– Anshul Kamboj
– Gurjapneet Singh
– Nathan Ellis
– Shreyas Gopal
– Mukesh Choudhary
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### “Dhoni Could Just Play as an Impact Player” – Ashwin’s Prediction Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
Ravichandran Ashwin also speculated on MS Dhoni’s role for the upcoming IPL season. He believes that Dhoni might take on the role of an impact player, especially since Sanju Samson is available to fulfill wicketkeeping duties.
Ashwin urged the 44-year-old veteran to continue batting, as CSK currently lacks enough finishers, though the final composition depends on the auction buys.
He explained:
“If MS Dhoni does not want to play, this release list would have indicated that. The fact that Jadeja is gone, and they already don’t have power finishers, it tells us that MS Dhoni will continue.
Also, because Sanju can keep wickets, it is a very good possibility that Dhoni could just play as an impact player. Only he can tell whether there is enough petrol left in his tank, but the fact that the release list does not have his name is as good as a confirmation that he will play the season.”
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Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2026, including live scores, auction predictions, match schedules, points tables, and detailed squad information for all franchises.
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