IPL 2026: Former CSK star predicts Nitish Rana, Venkatesh Iyer as CSK's top targets at mini-auction

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has made an interesting pre-auction prediction ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction. He suggested that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might go all out to sign either Nitish Rana or Venkatesh Iyer in the upcoming event.

Ashwin discussed CSK’s potential strategy in light of the much-talked-about Sanju Samson–Ravindra Jadeja–Sam Curran trade deal between CSK and the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The former CSK player noted that if Samson joins Chennai and opens the innings alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, the franchise could look for a left-handed batter at No. 3, with Rana and Iyer fitting that role 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 on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin explained that both players offer the kind of versatility that suits Chepauk’s conditions, where accessing the square boundaries can be challenging. He further outlined CSK’s potential batting order if the trade materialises, envisioning Samson and Gaikwad as openers, followed by Rana or Iyer at No. 3, with Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube in the middle order, and Cameron Green slotted at No. 6.

"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,” said Ashwin.

"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,” he added.

Both Iyer and Rana endured underwhelming campaigns in the IPL 2025 season. Rana, who moved to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) after leaving Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scored 217 runs at an average of below 22 and was bought for INR 4.2 crore in the mega auction. Iyer, on the other hand, managed an average of 20.28 in 11 matches for KKR, despite being one of the franchise’s costliest players at INR 23.75 crore.