IPL 2026: 5 Players who can replace Ravi Ashwin at CSK

On August 27, 2025, Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's best spinners, declared his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a social media post, the seasoned off-spinner, who participated in 221 games and claimed 187 wickets in the competition, announced the end of his IPL career.

The Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2025 campaign was a complete failure. In addition, the CSK legend has left the league, increasing their problems. Let's examine the five potential replacements for Ravichandran Ashwin in the team.

1. Washington Sundar

Probably one of the front-runners to fill in the shoes of Ravichandran Ashwin is none other than his Tamil Nadu teammate Washington Sundar. Sundar has emerged as a great candidate even for Team India in recent times, especially in tests & T20I format of the game. 

Although he is already in Gujarat Titans, but he got rare chances to show his talent and kept warming the bench for most of the matches. Gujarat might not retain him due to excessive spin options or CSK can contact them for a trade. He can be the like-for-like replacement of Ravichandran Ashwin with added batting flair.

2. Tanush Kotian

Mumbai-born Tanush Kotian is a promising right-arm off-spinner who is also a capable batsman. In 2024, he only appeared in one IPL match for the Rajasthan Royals, however he was not given the opportunity to bowl. However, he has a stellar domestic T20 career record, taking 33 wickets in 33 games at an economy rate of 6.39.

Tanush Kotian is another ideal option for CSK to look after Ashwin. Kotian is that type of bowling all-rounder who can chip in with crucial runs lower down the order, just what Ashwin used to do for them.

3. Akeal Hosein

In T20 cricket, defensive bowling is still very important, and CSK needs someone with that skill set, especially because they already have an attacking spinner in Noor Ahmad. Given the situation, Akeal Hosein, a left-arm spinner for the West Indies, looks like a good upgrade. Over the past two years, he has been a reliable performer and one of the top spinners in world cricket in this format.

But in the IPL, his quick ascent to the top has gone unnoticed. Even though CSK currently has two reliable left-arm alternatives, the team will benefit from having Akeal Hosein in a totally new role.

4. Vidwath Kaverappa

With Jadeja and Noor already in the squad, CSK already have plenty of quality spins for the middle overs. So they can look ahead for other options as well. With the new ball, the Karnataka pacer, Vidwath Kaverappa, is further solidifying his reputation as a deadly bowler. He has demonstrated in the longer formats that he can be a potent striker for his team early in an innings.

In the IPL 2025, Khaleel Ahmed was taking wickets for CSK with the new ball, but nobody was supporting him or maintaining the pressure. Kaverappa's prospects for their recruitment are further enhanced by the fact that his economy throughout his T20 career is slightly over 6.

5. Manimaran Siddharth

Despite having little IPL opportunities, 27-year-old Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner Manimaran Siddharth has shown promise. With an average of just 12.39 and 23 wickets from 14 games, his domestic T20 statistics are remarkable. His economy rate, which is less than 6 (5.81), is even more remarkable. His ability to bowl in this batter-dominated format is demonstrated by these statistics.

Siddharth would be a good choice for CSK if LSG lets him go before the mini-auction or they trade him in. He can be used to strengthen their spin department because he is a local player who is accustomed to Chennai's conditions.

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