Ravichandran Ashwin says CSK could be tempted to go for Tim Seifert in IPL 2026 auction

Former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes the franchise could be tempted to target New Zealander Tim Seifert in the IPL 2026 auction if they decide to release Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra.

Seifert is in red-hot form in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League, scoring 277 runs in five matches at a blistering strike rate of 178.71 while playing for Saint Lucia Kings.

Ashwin reckons if not CSK, Seifert could be on the radar of other IPL teams in the auction.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “I get a small feeling whether CSK would be tempted to go for Tim Seifert. If you look at CSK’s history, they like to go with an experienced player in the opening slot. In case there is no Devon Conway or Rachin Ravindra, and they look to take a different route and go in search of an overseas opening batter, then there is a New Zealand-New Zealand connection. He has the experience. He is a very good fielder. He can keep if needed. Wherever he has played the T20 format, his game has gone up. I feel if not CSK, some other franchise will surely pick him.

The former off-spinner said CSK’s Shreyas Gopal is also bowling really well. Gopal recently scalped 17 wickets in 12 matches of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 while leading Mangalore Dragons to glory.

Ashwin said, “Shreyas Gopal is in the Chennai Super Kings, and I am not joking, he’s bowling at a different level altogether. After many years, you can see he’s bowling the leg break, he’s got control of the length. Something has happened. He worked very hard in the nets last year. It is coming through. Not only have Mangaluru Dragons have won the Maharaja Trophy under his captaincy, but he has also bowled well. He has produced some match-winning spells. It should give him a lot of confidence. He also becomes an option for CSK.

Ashwin also feels England pacer Saqib Mahmood could be on IPL scouts’ radar. Mahmood recently picked seven wickets in six matches in the recently concluded the Hundred. 

“The one name that IPL scouts should keep an eye on is Saqib Mahmood. Saqib Mahmood has a slingy action. Whenever he bowls, the ball tends to tail in slightly. He will be really useful at venues where the ball skids on a bit. He gave an incredible performance in the final (of The Hundred),” the 106-Test veteran said.

The IPL 2026 auction date is yet to be finalised.