“He goes to Rajasthan and becomes captain” - Aakash Chopra on Ravichandran Ashwin potentially becoming RR skipper if released by CSK

Aakash Chopra, a former Indian batsman, thinks Ravichandran Ashwin would make a suitable captain if Sanju Samson were to depart the Rajasthan Royals (RR) this season. Although it hasn't been proven that the two teams are open to switching, Chopra's remarks were based on rumours that Ashwin has sought a challenge at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Samson has expressed his desire to hunt for one outside of RR.

According to reports, Samson has asked RR to release him before the IPL 2026 auction. The wicketkeeper-batter is already being pursued by a CSK officer. Chopra added that CSK might be the second-most interested team, even though Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) seem the most keen to recruit Samson.

According to Cricbuzz, R Ashwin has informed the CSK leadership of his desire to consider different options for the upcoming season. After just taking seven wickets in nine games, the 38-year-old had a terrible time with the ball. After beginning his IPL career with CSK in 2009, Ashwin went on to play a crucial role in MS Dhoni's team's victories in 2010 and 2011.

Aakash Chopra stated on his YouTube channel that Ashwin might be the best candidate to take Samson's spot as captain if he does depart. "From RR, Sanju could be leaving. From CSK, Ashwin Anna could be leaving. This could work out beautifully - he goes to Rajasthan and becomes captain because they also need one," Chopra added.

Other candidates, such as Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal, may be too inexperienced for the position, he claimed. After almost ten years, Ashwin rejoined CSK in 2025, but according to Cricbuzz, his second stint might be over after just one season.

The viewpoint is undoubtedly distinct. There is some leadership experience that Ashwin possesses. For two seasons, he captained the Kings XI Punjab (now known as the Punjab Kings). Chopra also believes that Ashwin's arrival could fill RR's huge spinner hole.

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