NEW DELHI: Former CSK player and Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his ideal playing XI for Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026.

After a disastrous 2025 season that saw CSK finish last, the five-time champions faced heavy criticism for their auction strategy and team selection.

In the December 16 mini-auction, CSK made bold moves, spending INR 41 crore, including INR 28.4 crore on two uncapped talents, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, who impressed in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Ashwin’s batting order includes Ayush Mhatre and Sanju Samson as openers, followed by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad at No. 3 and Shivam Dube at No. 4. Dewald Brevis was placed at No. 5, with uncapped Prashant Veer ahead of MS Dhoni at No. 6.

He split the bowling responsibilities between Akeal Hosein and Matt Henry at No. 8, while Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis were named as the fast-bowling pair. Wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad completes the XI.

R Ashwin’s CSK XI for IPL 2026:

Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni, Akeal Hosein/Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad

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