Franchises that may target Ravichandran Ashwin if he is released by CSK

IPL 2026: Top 3 franchises likely to target Ravichandran Ashwin in mini-auction if CSK release him.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the former India spinner was quite an emotional pick for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the 2025 auction. However, it was not the fairytale homecoming the one anticipated as Ashwin had probably one of his worst ever IPL seasons.

He was picked at a whopping sum of 9.7 crores by the franchise but didn’t live quite up to the expectations. The off-spinner featured in nine games picking just seven scalps and the ER (9.13) was also on the higher side. Considering all this, it is safe to say that chances of Ashwin getting released ahead of the next season is more than being retained.

Franchises that can go for Ravichandran Ashwin if released by CSK:

Rajasthan Royals (RR)
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise had a forgettable 2025 season, finishing ninth in the league stages and winning just four of their games. The reasons for this debacle are the team combination, or the lack thereof.

While they missed their skipper, Sanju Samson, for a large part of last season, RR also didn’t have the luxury that they had in the previous few editions. Yes, we are talking about the spin bowling department where they missed the services of Ashwin and Yuzuvendra Chahal. 

The pair was one of their strengths in the preceding seasons, but ahead of the 2025 mega auction, the Royals surprisingly let go of both of them. To fill the void left by the Indian duo, the Royals acquired the services of Wanindu Hasaranga & Maheesh Theekshana, who collectively picked just 22 wickets in as many games between them at a higher economy.

Hence, it would be a no-brainer for the Royals to avail the services of the legendary off-spinner if CSK decides to part ways with him. After all, the franchise went to full tilt to acquire him at the 2025 auctions but lost out to CSK.

Read More: IPL: Who could be Rajasthan Royals captain after Sanju Samson’s exit?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
While the Bengaluru-based franchise brought home their maiden IPL title, one of their main weaknesses throughout the season was a lack of a frontline off-spinner. Yes, they did have the all-rounder Krunal Pandya, who proved to be a match-winner on multiple occasions, but the Challengers didn’t have anyone who could spin the ball. 

The only other spinner they had was Suyash Sharma, and he didn’t have the best of IPLs (eight wickets in 14 games with an ER of 8.84). So they would need someone who is experienced at this level and who can be their lead spinner, especially when playing away from home. 

Hence, if there is something that RCB would look to improve from the last season, it is their spin-bowling department.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
The Pat Cummins-led side, for the large part of the 2025 season, didn’t have an experienced spinner. Adam Zampa, who was supposed to be their lead spinner, featured only in two games, and they had to rely on an inexperienced Zeeshan Ansari, who took just six wickets in 10 games, and all-rounders like Harsh Dubey (three games), Kamindu Mendis (five games), who didn’t play much of a role in the season. Also, SRH didn’t use Rahul Chahar in the entirety of the season (bowled just an over).

The former IPL champions need a spinner in their ranks, who could do a holding job in a high-scoring game and at the same time pick crucial wickets. One such spinner who will fit into the role perfectly is Ashwin and his presence would bring needed stability in the bowling department for Sunrisers.

Read More: What can CSK do to revive their fortunes in IPL 2026

Mumbai Indians (MI)
The five time IPL champions, Mumbai Indians is another team who will like someone of the stature of Ashwin in their squad. Over the past seasons, MI has struggled in getting a quality spinner but in the 2025 season, they managed to get the services of the Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner.

However, their struggle continued as they couldn’t find an India spinner who could deliver on a regular basis. The only known Indian spinner in their team was the leggie Karn Sharma and he didn’t inspire much as he played just the six games. 

Another international, Afghanistan’s Mujeeb-ur-Rahman played just a solitary game. So, if MI do get Ashwin pick at the upcoming, this would definitely give a much-needed balance to the team. It will give an additional bowling option to most phases of the squad and also increases their batting depth. Finally, this will give them the luxury of fielding two of the best T20 spinners at the same time.

Read More: What CSK need to do to bolster their batting from IPL 2026 onwards?