IPL 2026: CSK’s Top Auction Target Will Be an Indian All-Rounder, Ashwin Reveals CSK’s Auction Plan

abhinayreddy — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:41:24 GMT

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin explained Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) plan for the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He said the team wants to rebuild after a tough last season. With a purse of INR 43.40 crore, CSK is ready to pick players they really need, especially after overseas stars like Glenn Maxwell pulled out.

Ashwin said CSK’s first target will be an Indian all-rounder, most likely Venkatesh Iyer. After that, they will look for an overseas all-rounder, with Liam Livingstone being one of their main choices.

CSK to Target Venkatesh Iyer and Key All-Rounders in IPL 2026 mini Auction

Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “CSK’s first choice will be Venkatesh Iyer. They may have planned for Maxwell for the other spot, but since he is not available, they will now look at Livingstone.”

Venkatesh Iyer had a poor IPL 2025 season for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), even though the team bought him for a huge amount of INR 23.75 crore in the last mega-auction. For the upcoming auction, he has entered with the highest base price of INR 2 crore. Liam Livingstone, who was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has found his form again in the International League T20 2025, which makes him a popular overseas pick.

Ashwin said, “Most teams thought Andre Russell would enter the auction even before he was released. Because of that, CSK wanted to go for Russell or Cameron Green. But with only 30 crore left, they had no chance. That is why releasing Matheesha Pathirana looked like an easy and clear decision.

CSK added more money to their purse by releasing players like Matheesha Pathirana. Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL retirement also gave them an extra INR 9 crore. Ashwin said releasing Pathirana was a planned move so the team could save enough money to target big all-rounders in the auction.

Ashwin said CSK needs a big change in strategy because their 2025 season was one of the worst in the team’s history. Even though the team struggled, a few players performed well. Shivam Dube scored the most runs for CSK, and Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad was their best bowler, taking 24 wickets.

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