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"100% on radar": Ashwin predicts CSK to chase Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana in IPL mini-auction

Akshita Patel

Ashwin pens strong auction strategy for CSK [Source: @KkrKaravan, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Ashwin pens strong auction strategy for CSK [Source: @KkrKaravan, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Ravichandran Ashwin has made a fascinating pre-auction prediction ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He has hinted that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might go all out to sign either Nitish Rana or Venkatesh Iyer in the upcoming mega auction.

Ashwin discussed CSK’s possible strategy in the wake of the much-talked-about Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja-Sam Curran trade deal between CSK and Rajasthan Royals (RR). 

Ashwin urges CSK to strengthen left-hand power

In his latest YouTube video, Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that if Sanju Samson joins CSK and opens with Ruturaj Gaikwad, the franchise could look for a left-hander at No. 3.

And that’s where Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer fit in 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. 

He explained that both players bring versatility that suits Chepauk’s conditions, where accessing the square boundaries is often difficult. 

"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."

Ashwin further broke down CSK’s potential batting order if the trade goes through. He envisioned Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad as openers, followed by Rana or Iyer at No. 3, Brevis and Dube in the middle, and Cameron Green coming in at No. 6.

"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."

Rana and Iyer could be released due to underwhelming form

Interestingly, both left-handers Nitish Rana and Venkatesh had underwhelming IPL 2025 seasons. 

Rana scored 217 runs at an average below 22 for RR, while Iyer averaged 20.28 in 11 games for KKR, despite being one of the costliest players at ₹23.75 crore. 

Nitish, meanwhile, was bought for ₹4.2 crore in the previous auction after leaving Kolkata.