'Told the decision makers of a few IPL teams to pick him...': CSK's Ravichandran Ashwin reveals how RCB got a 'real steal' after IPL teams ignored his advice

Former India all-rounder revealed that he had advised all the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises to go after Australia batter Tim David during the mega auctions before the 18th edition of the tournament, but his words were ignored. David, who was a part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2024 season, was released by the Mumbai-based franchise and went under the hammer in the auction. He was picked by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the franchise snatched him at just Rs 3 crore.

RCB's move to pick David proved to be a game-changer. He played a pivotal role in their maiden IPL title-winning campaign. In IPL 2025, the Aussie star played 12 matches and scored 187 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 185.15. Ashwin who was picked by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025 auction, spoke about how he had advised all the teams to bid for David during the auction and called RCB's move a "steal deal".

ALSO READ: 'Virat's aggression, people say, is a lot, I would say if...': Kohli's World Cup-winning teammate's blunt take on his playing style

ALSO READ: 'MS Dhoni dropped me from the side...': Virender Sehwag's massive revelation on forcefully considering early retirement from ODIs

"I shouldn't say this but I told the decision makers of a few IPL teams to pick him before the last auction. They all said, 'No, his game has dropped off drastically '," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"I believe the future of T20 cricket is going to be having tall batters with long lovers and strong build. They are going to rule the roost if there are no changes brought to the wide line. A player RCB picked up at base price (INR 3 crore) has taken his game to the next level. It's good to see Australia sending him up the order. A real steal for RCB," he added.

The Bengaluru-based franchise ended its title drought in the 18th edition of the cash-rich league, defeating Punjab Kings in the summit clash on June 3 in Ahmedabad. Chasing 191, PBKS gave their best but fell short by just six runs. Talking about David, the Aussie star is also contributing brilliantly for the national team in the ongoing white-ball series against South Africa.