Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) bowling combination ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. The former CSK player believes the franchise needs a quality left-arm spinner and could target an Indian option to strengthen their spin department.
Ashwin pointed out that CSK already have West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein but suggested that an overseas spinner must offer additional value as an all-rounder to feature regularly in the playing XI.
Ashwin believes that the possibility of Matheesha Pathirana’s return can not be ruled out.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “CSK are in need of a left-arm spinner, which is why the whole Axar Patel rumours did the rounds. Though they have Akeal Hosein, a foreign spinner has to be a genuine all-rounder to be playable at all times. That’s why if CSK can land Sai Kishore, they can then look at a foreigner for their fast bowling. CSK could look at names like Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker, and Nahid Rana.”
He added, “Even Mustafizur Rahman could be an option if he enters the auction. I have a strong hunch that Matheesha Pathirana will be back in CSK. Other names include Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar via trade.”
Pathirana scalped 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches for Chennai Super Kings. However, the franchise decided to release him before IPL 2026 season and he was bagged by KKR for INR 18 crore.
On the other hand, Ashwin also opened up on the possibility of Gujarat Titans’ spinner Sai Kishore joining Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2027.
“It’s Sai Kishore’s choice whether there is a realistic possibility of this trade. Because for him to come to CSK, who can CSK give to GT? You can’t give Brevis or Dube, even though GT will want one of them because of Buttler’s potential absence. So the only possibility of Sai Kishore coming to CSK is if GT wishes to do good for Sai Kishore’s career. But Sai Kishore has to talk to the management for this to happen,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
IPL 2027 auction will be held in Goa in mid-December.
