“CSK Will 100% Target These Two Players” – Ashwin Makes Bold IPL Prediction

Ravichandran Ashwin has dropped an early IPL 2026 auction hint, suggesting that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could aggressively pursue left-handers Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer in the upcoming mini-auction.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin dissected CSK’s possible game plan in the wake of the much-hyped Sanju Samson–Ravindra Jadeja–Sam Curran trade deal between CSK and Rajasthan Royals.

He believes that if Samson opens with Ruturaj Gaikwad, the franchise will be desperate to fill the No. 3 slot with a left-handed batter.

“CSK can really strengthen this side. The moment Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja have gone there, I see Nitish Rana coming into the auction. So Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer will 100% be on the radar of CSK,” Ashwin said.

He explained that both players suit Chepauk’s tricky surface, which often slows down during run-chases.

“Venkatesh Iyer can sweep and reverse sweep well, while Nitish Rana, being shorter, can access square boundaries better. He’s an attractive option for CSK,” Ashwin added.

The off-spinner also mapped out a possible batting order if the trade happens, Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening, followed by Rana or Iyer at No. 3, Brevis and Dube in the middle, and Cameron Green at No. 6.

“If Samson and Ruturaj open, it’ll be the best thing to happen. At 3, they’ll look at Venkatesh Iyer or Nitish Rana. Brevis and Dube will be at 4 and 5, and then Cameron Green at 6,” Ashwin said.

Both Iyer and Rana had forgettable IPL 2025 campaigns, which could make them available in the auction. Rana scored just 217 runs for Rajasthan Royals, averaging under 22, while Iyer managed 203 runs at 20.28 for KKR despite his hefty ₹23.75 crore price tag.