Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin made a bold pre-auction prediction ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini auction ahead of the 16th edition of the tournament. Ashwin reckons that the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might go all out to sign either Nitish Rana or Venkatesh Iyer in the upcoming event.
Ashwin's predictions for CSK's picks in IPL mini auction
Ashwin opened up CSK's potential strategy in light of the much-talked-about Sanju Samson–Ravindra Jadeja–Sam Curran trade deal between CSK and the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Ashwin who also represented CSK in the last edition of the tournament before announcing retirement from all forms of professional cricket, said that if Samson joins Chennai and opens the innings alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, the franchise could look for a left-handed batter at No. 3, with Rana and Iyer fitting that role perfectly.
"CSK can really strengthen this side. The moment Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja have gone there, I see Nitish Rana coming into the auction. So Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer will 100% be on the radar of CSK," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
ALSO READ: Exclusive: Not Delhi, IPL 2026 auction to take place overseas on these dates in December
Ashwin explained why CSK should go for Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana
Ashwin further explained that Nitish and Venkatesh's game suits Chepauk’s conditions, where accessing the square boundaries can be challenging.
"Yes, Ayush Mhatre is a proven commodity. But the Chennai wicket has suddenly started slowing down and holding, especially while batting second. Venkatesh Iyer has played one or two good innings in Chepauk. But he can play the sweep and reverse sweep. Nevertheless, 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,” said Ashwin.
"If Samson and Ruturaj open, it'll be the best thing to happen. 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 because recently he has batted in the middle order for Australia,” he added.
CSK's performance in IPL 2025
Five-time IPL champions had a forgetful season as they finished last in the last edition of the tournament with only four victories in 14 matches. Notably, their regular skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out of the tournament during the initial stages of the tournament after getting an elbow injury and the franchise reappointed MS Dhoni as their skipper for the rest of the season.