R Ashwin has announced his retirement from the IPL. Chennai Super Kings will now want to find a suitable choice to replace him for the next season. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of three players CSK can target to replace R Ashwin for IPL 2026.
CSK needs spin-bowling depth at the Chepauk. With Ravindra Jadeja not as impactful as he was, the franchise will need to find another player in the spin unit along with Noor Ahmed.
1) Tanush Kotian
It is a no-brainer that CSK must go for Tanush. As a bowling all-rounder, he will be the perfect replacement for Ashwin. As a spinner, there is potential in him to become an efficient T20 spinner. He is a developing cricketer and has also gotten close to Team India in Tests. Hence, CSK must be desperate to sign the Mumbai cricketer.
2) Akeal Hosein is one of the players CSK can target to replace R Ashwin for IPL 2026
Akeal is also a left-arm spinner, but he offerssomething slightly different to what Jadeja can put on the table. He has been in good form and has done well for the Super Kings’ franchise. Hence, he is on this list.
3) Ravi Bishnoi (if released by LSG)
As per reports, Ravi Bishnoi is set to be released by LSG. The leggie had a tough outing in IPL 2025, which saw Digvesh Rathi overtake him as the lead spinner. It would be better for Bishnoi to work at a different franchise now and CSK would benefit by having an Indian spinner of his talent.
