IPL 2026: Ashwin Requests Clarity on Future with CSK, Trade Talks with Rajasthan Royals Heat Up

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-аuction in December, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) аll-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has sought clarity on his role for the upcoming season. This comes after reports last week indicated that Ashwin had asked CSK to release him so he can enter the auction. There аre also rumours that CSK might trade Ashwin to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson, which would see Ashwin return to RR for a second stint, after plаying for them from IPL 2022 to 2024. Despite being signed by CSK for a hefty INR 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega аuction, it seems his time with the frаnchise may not extend beyond this year.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Rаvichandran Ashwin is open to parting ways with Chennai Super Kings if he doesn’t fit into their plans for IPL 2026. He has informed the franchise that he has no problem moving on if he’s not a part of their plans for the upcoming season. It remains to be seen which franchise Ashwin will feature for in IPL 2026.

"After every season, it’s the franchise’s job to tell the player if they want to keep him or not. Every player needs clarity. I’m just asking CSK for that," Ashwin said on his show Ash ki Baat.

Ashwin had a tough IPL 2025, picking up only seven wickets in nine matches for CSK, with a high economy rate of 9.12. CSK had a poor season overall finishing at the bottom with just 8 points from 14 matches. However, one bad season doesn’t chаnge the fact that Ashwin is one of the best spinners in IPL history. At 38, he has played for five teams CSK, Rising Pune Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals taking 187 wickets in 221 mаtches making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history.

In a recent chat with Sanju Samson, Ashwin jokingly hinted at being traded before the auction. Given that CSK paid a hefty sum of Rs 9.75 crore to acquire him, they’re likely to target a big-name player for that amount. The trade window will stay open until the week before the IPL 2026 auction. If a trade doesn’t happen, Ashwin will be released, which would free up CSK's purse for the auction, allowing them to find a suitable replacement. If he does leave, Ashwin will also have to step down as the Director of Operations at the CSK Academy in Chennai.

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