'I feel if not CSK, some other franchise will surely pick him': R Ashwin's bold prediction for RCB's temporary replacement Tim Seifert ahead of IPL mini-auction

India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reckons New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert will get picked in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction. The Kiwi opener was roped in by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as their temporary replacement for England’s young all-rounder Jacob Bethell as IPL 2025 resumed after military conflict on India-Pakistan border following Pahalgam terrorist attack. While Seifert did not play a game for RCB in IPL 2025, Ashwin is impressed with his recent performances, including a 40-ball joint-fastest century in Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

While Ashwin feels Seifert will be a good fit for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he backs him to attract bids from other franchises as well.

“I get a small feeling whether CSK would be tempted to go for Tim Seifert. If you look at CSK’s history, they like to go with an experienced player in the opening slot. In case there is no Devon Conway or Rachin Ravindra, and they look to take a different route and go in search of an overseas opening batter, then there is a New Zealand-New Zealand connection. He has the experience. He is a very good fielder. He can keep if needed. Wherever he has played the T20 format, his game has gone up. I feel if not CSK, some other franchise will surely pick him,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

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Representing Saint Lucia Kings in CPL 2025, Seifert has scored 277 runs from five innings at an average of 69.25, featuring a century and one fifty. His unbeaten 125 against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons is the highest individual score in a CPL run chase. His strike rate in the ongoing CPL season is 178.70.

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Seifert’s short-lived IPL stints

Earlier, Seifert has had short stints with two IPL franchises. He made his IPL debut for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2021 and scored just two runs. In the following season, he played for Delhi Capitals (DC). In two games, he scored just 24 runs.

Seifert’s T20I career

The 30-year-old is a regular in the T20Is. From 71 T20Is, he has scored 1,736 runs at an average of 29.42, including 12 half-centuries. His strike rate in T20Is is 142.49. His T20I high score of unbeaten 38-ball 97 came in a run chase against Pakistan earlier this year.