IPL 2026: 'Ashwin adds value to CSK but not at INR 10 crore' - Badrinath

Former Chennai Super Kings player Subramaniam Badrinath feels that Ravichandran Ashwin did not provide enough value to the Yellow Army during the Indian Premier League in his homecoming season. Ashwin's return to CSK wasn't the best in IPL 2025 where he could only pick up seven wickets in nine matches.

The IPL's trade window is currently ongoing and will run until a week before the auction for the next edition commences. Ashwin had recently opened up about his future with CSK and that he wanted clarity from the management regarding his role.

Since he did not perform up to the expectations, Badrinath, like many experts, has said that the franchise must release him ahead of the mini auction for the next season. The cricketer-turned-YouTuber once again stressed on his previous opinion of veteran India off-spinner needing to be released from the franchise for the betterment of both parties.

"I feel Ashwin adds value to CSK, but not at INR 10 crore [INR 9.75 crore / sic]. 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," stated Badrinath in a video on his official YouTube channel.

Samson, Dhoni being together will create confusion: Badrinath

Speaking on the same topic of IPL trades, Badrinath opined that it could prove detrimental for star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson to be traded from Rajasthan Royals to CSK due to the uncertainty on whether Dhoni would play another season or not. 

There have also been reports doing the rounds regarding Samson being traded to CSK. Samson has been associated with RR ever since 2013, barring the 2016 and 2017 seasons, where he represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals).

"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," he added.

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