Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has firmly dismissed speculation surrounding a potential IPL 2027 trade between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC), involving Rahul Chahar and Ashutosh Sharma. The rumour gained momentum on social media after Delhi Capitals traded premier wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants in exchange for Rishabh Pant, prompting discussions that DC could target another leg-spinner before the new season.
However, Ashwin believes the proposed swap makes little sense from Delhi Capitals’ perspective and argued that there is no logical reason for the franchise to part ways with one of its most valuable Indian finishers.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said every trade must benefit both teams, something he feels is completely absent in the suggested deal. “There should be some logic and fairness in a trade proposal. I understand CSK want Ashutosh Sharma, but what are they offering in return? Rahul Chahar, a player they barely used in the playing XI. Why would Delhi Capitals agree to that?” Ravichandran Ashwin questioned.
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Ashutosh emerged as one of DC’s brightest prospects during IPL 2026 despite limited opportunities. The hard-hitting finisher scored 171 runs at an impressive average of over 34 while striking at 181.91, further strengthening his reputation as one of India’s most dependable lower-order batters.
Rahul Chahar, meanwhile, endured a disappointing campaign with Chennai Super Kings. The leg-spinner featured in only one match and conceded 46 runs in his four overs, failing to establish himself in CSK’s preferred playing XI.
Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged that Delhi Capitals will need to strengthen their spin department after Kuldeep Yadav’s departure. However, he pointed out that the franchise already has quality spin options in Axar Patel and Vipraj Nigam, making a direct trade for Chahar even less convincing.
“Ashutosh Sharma is a prized asset because quality Indian finishers are extremely difficult to find. Even if Delhi want another wrist-spinner, why would they trade away a first-choice player for someone who spent most of last season on the bench? If they really want Rahul Chahar, they can simply bid for him at the auction,” Ravichandran Ashwin explained.
The veteran spinner went a step further by calling the proposed deal one of the most one-sided trades imaginable.
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“If this trade actually happens, it will be one of the greatest heists in IPL history. CSK would be getting arguably the best Indian finisher in the league while giving away a player who hardly featured. They might as well ask Delhi Capitals to hand over Ashutosh Sharma for free because that’s almost what this proposal looks like,” Ravichandran Ashwin remarked.
Both CSK and DC are coming off disappointing IPL 2026 campaigns, with Chennai missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season and Delhi extending their playoff drought to five straight years. While both franchises are expected to be active before the IPL 2027 season, Ashwin believes any trade involving Ashutosh Sharma will require a far stronger offer than Rahul Chahar.
