R Ashwin Excludes CSK from His IPL 2026 Top Four Picks, Surprising Choice for Fourth Spot
Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed his top four favorites for the upcoming IPL season, notably excluding his former team, the Chennai Super Kings. His selections were made shortly after the IPL mini-auction held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ashwin has placed the Mumbai Indians at the forefront of his predictions, followed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals as potential playoff contenders.
Mumbai Indians Lead the Pack
Ashwin has identified the Mumbai Indians as his top pick for the upcoming IPL season. The five-time champions have retained their core players during the recent retention window, ensuring stability within the squad. Additionally, they have bolstered their lineup through strategic trades, acquiring Sherfane Rutherford from the Gujarat Titans, Mayank Markande from the Kolkata Knight Riders, and Shardul Thakur from the Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise was also active in the mini-auction, securing Quinton de Kock for Rs 1 crore, along with Danish Malewar, Mohammed Izhar, Atharva Ankolekar, and Mayank Rawat, each for Rs 30 lakh. Ashwin praised the Mumbai Indians for their decisive moves, suggesting that they are working to recreate the balance of their IPL 2020 championship-winning team, despite the absence of Ishan Kishan.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Ambitions
Following the Mumbai Indians, Ashwin has placed the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as his second favorite. RCB, who claimed their first IPL title earlier this year, retained their key players before the auction and added eight new names to their roster. Among their notable acquisitions were Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 4 crore and Jacob Duffy for Rs 2 crore. Ashwin’s confidence in RCB stems from their strong performance last season and their ability to enhance their squad depth through smart signings. The franchise’s commitment to building a competitive team has made them a formidable contender for the upcoming season.
Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals as Contenders
Ashwin rounded out his top four by backing the Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals as potential playoff teams. Notably, all the teams he mentioned, except for the Rajasthan Royals, reached the playoffs last season. The Royals made headlines during the auction by securing Ravi Bishnoi for Rs 7.20 crore. Prior to the auction, they had already strengthened their squad through trades, bringing in prominent players like Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Donovan Ferreira. Ashwin’s endorsement of these teams reflects his belief in their capabilities to challenge for playoff spots, especially given their recent performances and strategic acquisitions.
Ashwin’s Insights on Team Strategies
During an interaction on the Mumbai Indians’ official Instagram handle, Ashwin shared his insights on the auction and team strategies. He highlighted the Mumbai Indians’ ability to maximize their limited budget of Rs 2.75 crore, suggesting that their resourcefulness allowed them to significantly enhance an already strong squad. Ashwin remarked, “MI had 2.75 crore, but it was as if they had 27 crore, because they bought so many players.” His analysis indicates that the Mumbai Indians are not only focused on maintaining their competitive edge but are also keen on replicating the successful formula that led to their previous championships.
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