Ravichandran Ashwin has asked Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to spell out their plans for him in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, ESPNcricinfo reported. The veteran spinner has made it clear he would be open to leaving if he does not fit into the team’s strategy.
CSK bought Ashwin for Rs 9.75 crore at the 2025 mega auction. He played nine matches last season, taking seven wickets at an economy rate of 9.13 — his most expensive IPL season to date. It was the first time in his career that his economy rate crossed 8.49.
The timeline for player releases will depend on when the IPL 2026 auction is held, likely between November and February. While player trades can take place, Ashwin recently joked in an interview with Sanju Samson that they usually happen no more than a week before the auction.
With 201 wickets in 239 IPL games at an average of 30.94, Ashwin is the tournament’s fifth-highest wicket-taker. Before returning to CSK in 2025, he played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.
CSK also face other key decisions, including captaincy, after MS Dhoni took over mid-season when Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson has told his franchise he wants to be released before the IPL 2026 auction. Samson, retained for Rs 18 crore in the last mega auction, conveyed his decision soon after IPL 2025 ended. The Royals, who held season review meetings in June, have not yet responded.
