Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin warned the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against letting Shivam Dube walk away in a trade during the IPL 2026 off-season as well. Dube was among the first names mentioned in the trade rumours with Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya over the past few days.
While Ashwin said that Hardik’s inclusion would massively strengthen CSK, he felt Dube could play well elsewhere. Despite not achieving the desired goal in IPL 2026 with only 270 runs, he still averaged an impressive 38.57 at a strike rate of almost 159 in 13 outings as well.
Talking about this, Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “Certain players always get undervalued in CSK during the season. Shivam Dube has had some very ordinary drops in the field. But I am warning CSK that Dube will be a beast if you let go of him. If Dube goes out of CSK, he will become a monster elsewhere. Dube is a rare commodity in India, as a left-handed batter with long levers who can strike a long ball.”
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He shared again, “There was talk last year itself that Khaleel Ahmed asked for a release from CSK. I am not sure of the position now. But when a player makes such a request, the franchise eventually has to adhere to it and consider it. So, I won’t rule him out as a part of the Hardik trade. But if CSK has to let go of Dube, Khaleel and Kamboj to get Hardik, where will they go for an Indian seamer?”
“So even if MI gives Hardik to CSK, they will look to break CSK’s backbone when theirs is being broken. Also, CSK’s biggest hole isn’t the batting, and if Hardik comes in, it’ll further strengthen their middle-order and finishing. But by giving up Kamboj and Khaleel, CSK have to manage with Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton, which will be difficult,” he said.
Ravichandran Ashwin also advised CSK to go all-out for an Indian spinner in the auction or through trade if they acquire Hardik Pandya. Despite the presence of Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad, he believes opening a spot for an overseas pacer like Nathan Ellis will be important for the overall balance of the side.
“If they get Hardik and give away Indian pacers, CSK should target guys like Josh Tongue and Sonny Baker as Chepauk has good bounce. They can also play Nathan Ellis and look for an Indian spinner. There was some news around Sai Kishore. CSK should go all out for a good Indian spinner,” concluded R Ashwin.
