Former Chennai Super Kings player S Badrinath has expressed his views on Ravichandran Ashwin’s high-price acquisition by CSK and potential team changes, stating that while Ashwin adds value to the five-time IPL champions, his INR 9.75 crore price tag may not justify his current form, especially amid reports of the off-spinner’s interest in leaving the franchise before IPL 2026.The comments come as CSK faces potential roster changes, with Ashwin having played only nine out of 14 league matches in the 2024 edition after being purchased at the mega auction in November 2024.Speaking on his YouTube channel “Cric it with Badri,” Badrinath shared his perspective on Ashwin’s value to the team and his price point.“I feel Ashwin adds value to CSK, but not at Rs 10 crore (Rs 9.75 crore). In the IPL, you need to see the price point and the player. He is definitely not at his peak. That is why I have been maintaining from the start that Ashwin has to be released,” Badrinath stated.The situation has become more complex with reports of Sanju Samson requesting Rajasthan Royals (RR) to either trade or release him into the auction, coinciding with Ashwin’s potential departure from CSK.Badrinath addressed the uncertainty surrounding MS Dhoni’s future and the potential impact of Samson’s inclusion in the team.
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Should CSK consider releasing Ravichandran Ashwin before IPL 2026?
“We don’t know if MS Dhoni is going to continue playing or not. That decision has not yet been made. He might play a few matches, or he could play a few matches at Chepauk. There might be a brand value attached. He could attract a few brands. He might announce till the IPL season starts. The presence of Sanju Samson could create confusion, which is what I feel,” the two-time IPL winner explained.The discussion around team changes has drawn attention from other cricket personalities, including former India captain Krish Srikkanth, who suggested Samson as a suitable replacement for MS Dhoni at CSK.However, Srikkanth also noted that if he were part of the RR management, he would be reluctant to let go of the 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter.These developments highlight the strategic considerations teams face regarding player retention, trades, and future planning, particularly for established franchises like CSK managing transitions of veteran players.The situation remains fluid as teams prepare for potential roster changes ahead of IPL 2026, with both Ashwin’s and Samson’s futures becoming significant talking points in the cricket community.Both players’ situations reflect the broader dynamics of IPL team management, where factors such as player performance, team balance, and financial considerations play crucial roles in decision-making processes.The coming months will likely provide more clarity on these potential moves as teams finalize their strategies for upcoming seasons and make decisions about player retention and acquisitions.
