R Ashwin Predicts CSK’s Next Big Moves After Jadeja and Curran Leave for Rajasthan Royals

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is never short of surprises, and once again, big moves are on the horizon. According to former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to go through a major change ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. With star all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran reportedly moving to Rajasthan Royals (RR), Ashwin believes CSK will target new faces to rebuild their middle order and batting depth.

Ashwin, who knows CSK’s culture well, shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel, naming Nitish Rana, Venkatesh Iyer, and Cameron Green as the key players the Super Kings should aim for.

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Jadeja and Curran’s Exit – A Big Change for CSK

Ravindra Jadeja has been one of the most consistent performers for CSK, playing key roles both as an all-rounder and as a leader figure. Sam Curran, the young English all-rounder, has also been an impact player since his arrival in the yellow jersey.

Now, with both Jadeja and Curran set to join Rajasthan Royals, CSK faces a big gap in both the batting and bowling departments. Their departure means CSK will have to rethink their core balance, especially the lower middle order where Jadeja and Curran often turned games around.

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Ashwin’s Prediction: The Next Big Targets

Ashwin, always known for his sharp cricketing brain, suggested that Nitish Rana, Venkatesh Iyer, and Cameron Green could be the ideal players CSK should look for at the IPL 2026 auction.

“CSK can really strengthen this side. The moment Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja have gone there (to RR), 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 added that Cameron Green could also play a huge role in filling the all-rounder void left by Jadeja and Curran.

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Possible CSK Batting Line-up According to Ashwin

Ashwin also imagined what the new CSK batting order could look like if these moves take place.

He mentioned that Sanju Samson might open the innings with Ruturaj Gaikwad, creating a solid right-hand-left-hand combination. The top order could look like this:

1. Sanju Samson
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad
3. Nitish Rana or Venkatesh Iyer
4. Dewald Brevis
5. Shivam Dube
6. Cameron Green

Ashwin believes this line-up would make CSK one of the most balanced sides in the tournament. “If Samson and Ruturaj open, it’ll be the best thing to happen,” he added. “At 3, they’ll look at Venkatesh Iyer or Nitish Rana. Brevis and Dube will be at 4 and 5, and then they’ll try to insert Cameron Green at 6.”

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Why Ashwin Believes These Players Fit CSK’s Style

Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana, known for his aggressive batting and leadership experience with KKR, could bring both stability and intent to CSK’s middle order.
Ashwin pointed out that Rana’s ability to play spin well makes him a perfect fit for Chepauk’s slow pitch conditions.

“Someone like Nitish Rana, who is shorter, can access the square boundaries and use the bounce, and is an attractive option. There is a great chance he will come to CSK,” Ashwin explained.

Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer, the tall left-handed batter from Kolkata Knight Riders, has already played some impressive innings at Chepauk. His big-hitting ability and medium pace bowling add balance to the side.
Ashwin said, “Venkatesh Iyer has played one or two good innings in Chepauk. He is a replica of Shivam Dube with long levers down the ground. But he can also play the sweep and reverse sweep.”

Cameron Green

Cameron Green has quickly become one of the top all-rounders in international cricket. His recent form for Australia, especially in the middle order, makes him a hot pick for many franchises.
Ashwin believes Green at No. 6 can give CSK the all-round flexibility they need after losing Jadeja and Curran.

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The Sanju Samson Connection

One of the biggest surprises in this discussion was Ashwin mentioning Sanju Samson in CSK’s potential lineup. Samson, currently leading Rajasthan Royals, has reportedly been in talks for a possible move to CSK.

If this happens, CSK will have a top-order packed with attacking intent — Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening the innings would be a dream combination for fans. Both are technically sound and capable of accelerating the innings when needed.

Ashwin said that Samson’s addition would “give flexibility” to the batting order. Depending on the match situation, Samson could open or bat at No. 3.

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Young Talents and Overseas Options

While the main focus has been on experienced Indian names, Ashwin also mentioned that CSK already have some solid overseas talent waiting to shine.

Young opener Ayush Mahtre impressed everyone in IPL 2025 by scoring 208 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 185.71, including a blazing knock of 94 runs. His aggressive style makes him another potential top-order option.

CSK also have Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, both proven international players who can provide solid starts at the top. Their experience and consistency make CSK’s top order one of the best in the league.

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What’s Next for CSK?

The big question now is — who will CSK actually get?
As of now, Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer are still with their respective franchises — KKR and RR — and their retention lists will be finalized by November 15.

If either of them is released, expect CSK to go all-in at the auction table in December. The addition of Cameron Green, meanwhile, will depend on CSK’s auction budget and overseas slot availability.

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Final Thoughts

Ravichandran Ashwin’s analysis gives fans a lot to think about. The upcoming IPL 2026 auction could bring major shifts in team strategies. For CSK, it’s a moment of transition — moving from the era of Jadeja and Curran to a new setup that could feature Samson, Rana, Iyer, and Green.

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