Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin suggested that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are likely to target either Nitish Rana or Venkatesh Iyer at the IPL 2026 auction. His remarks came amid reports that the much-talked-about Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja-Sam Curran trade between CSK and Rajasthan Royals (RR) is almost finalized.
Ashwin opined that if Samson opens alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, then Rana or Venkatesh would be perfect to bat at No. 3, especially given their ability to exploit Chepauk’s square boundaries. Both left-handers struggled in IPL 2025, Rana managed only 217 runs at an average below 22, while Venkatesh fared slightly worse with 223 runs at 20.28 across 11 matches.
“Rana or Iyer To Fill Key Batting Spot”- R Ashwin Predicts CSK’s IPL 2026 Plan
Discussing Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) possible auction strategy in the event of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran being traded, Ravichandran Ashwin mentioned on his YouTube channel:
“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. 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 further continued:
“Yes, Ayush Mhatre is a proven commodity. But the Chennai wicket has suddenly started slowing down and holding, especially while batting second. If there is one facet of the game lacking in the CSK batting, it’s their ability to access square of the wicket.”
”Mhatre, Dhoni, Jadeja and Dube don’t have the sweep or the reverse sweep to access the square boundaries. Even Ruturaj doesn’t prefer the sweep or reverse sweep, though he can play it. So playing the flat sweep is definitely needed.”
“Venkatesh Iyer has played one or two good innings in Chepauk. However, he is a replica of Shivam Dube with long levers down the ground. 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.”
Venkatesh Iyer emerged as one of the costliest signings at the IPL 2025 auction, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) securing him for a massive ₹23.75 crore. In contrast, Nitish Rana was picked up by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for ₹4.20 crore after making the move from KKR ahead of the same season.
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