Ashwin Drops CSK from IPL 2026 Top Four, MI Leads Contenders

Ravichandran Ashwin has named his four favourites for IPL 2026, and Chennai Super Kings were conspicuously absent from the list. Speaking during an interaction on Mumbai Indians’ official Instagram handle after the mini-auction at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, Ashwin placed Mumbai Indians at the top, followed by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. He argued MI’s acquisitions — including Quinton de Kock for Rs 1 crore, and depth additions like Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans, Mayank Markande from Kolkata Knight Riders, and Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants — show a clear intent to recreate the balance that powered their 2020 title run.

Defending champions RCB earned Ashwin’s second spot. RCB had retained their core and added eight new players, with notable buys like Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 4 crore and Jacob Duffy for Rs 2 crore. Ashwin’s third pick was Punjab Kings, whom he believes could challenge for the playoffs, while Rajasthan Royals rounded out his top four after strengthening further via trades and signings, including Ravi Bishnoi for Rs 7.20 crore; RR had already banked Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Donovan Ferreira before the auction.

While the debate on the best-balanced squad will rage through the season, Ashwin reserved special praise for MI’s strategy, especially the de Kock move, arguing that decisiveness in the auction matters more than patience when it comes to assembling a championship-contending side.

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