The IPL 2026 trade window is underway, with many franchises planning significant changes after a challenging 2025 season. Teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who finished in the bottom half of the standings, are anticipated to be major players in reshaping their teams. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, has offered his insights into the upcoming mini-auction. Ashwin anticipates a strong demand for overseas players.
Ashwin suggests that acquiring quality Indian players will be difficult, with few new Indian names expected to appear. The high-value picks will likely be international players, especially foreign all-rounders. He highlighted Mitchell Owen and Cameron Green as players who could spark bidding wars, emphasizing their ability to contribute significantly to the team. Ashwin believes that the mini-auction will be a financial battleground, potentially costing teams around Rs 25-30 crore.
On the Indian player front, Ashwin suggests Mayank Yadav of Lucknow Super Giants could be one of the few high-profile domestic players in play. Despite being retained for a large sum, persistent injuries could influence LSG’s decision to trade him. The trade window is already buzzing with speculation around Sanju Samson and KL Rahul. Samson has reportedly requested a trade or release, with KKR and CSK as potential destinations. Ashwin himself, who was bought by CSK for a considerable amount last season and had a relatively quiet performance, is also subject to trade rumors. The mini-auction, likely to occur late in 2025, will likely be filled with negotiations and potential big trades, creating an opportunity for teams like CSK and KKR to rejuvenate their squads for the 2026 season.