Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath has made a bold suggestion: CSK should release both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Badrinath believes that moving on from the veteran duo would free up significant funds and allow the team to rebuild.
Ashwin and Jadeja together cost CSK a massive ₹27.75 crore — with Ashwin priced at ₹9.75 crore and Jadeja being retained for ₹18 crore. However, both players have failed to deliver the expected returns this season. Ashwin has already been dropped from the starting XI after a string of poor performances, while Jadeja has managed just 6 wickets in 9 games and has struggled with the bat, striking at a modest 125.
Badrinath, speaking on his YouTube channel Cricket it with Badri, said:
“I have utmost respect for my good friend Ravichandran Ashwin but I think he should be released. And also Vijay Shankar. If you release both these players, you’ll save some 13-14 crores. And if you release a few others, you’ll easily save 20 crores. Pick some youngsters, pick someone from BBL or another league. The time has come.”
Regarding Jadeja, Badrinath admitted it would be a tough call due to the strong relationship between the player and CSK management:
“If I was a part of CSK management, I would release Jadeja as well, but all of us know it won’t happen because the management’s long-term relationship with Jadeja is good.”
Badrinath also questioned CSK’s decision-making during their recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, particularly the selection and batting position of Sam Curran. Curran returned to the XI, surprisingly batting at No.3, ahead of specialist batter Dewald Brevis. Curran, however, struggled, scoring just 9 off 10 balls and conceding 25 runs in 2 overs with the ball.
“Sam Curran batting at No.3 and Jadeja at No.4, I couldn’t comprehend what was even happening,” Badrinath remarked.
“First of all, I don’t know why Sam Curran is even in the playing XI. He is not capable of bowling four overs, and his confidence is low with the bat. He does not look like he’ll get any runs.
So I’m still wondering why CSK went back to Curran and played him at No.3 on top of that.”
Badrinath summed up his frustration by saying:
“You have picked Dewald Brevis as a specialist batter but you’re sending two all-rounders ahead of him. It’s extremely confusing. I feel CSK are confused, and it’s probably too late to fix things now.”
As CSK’s campaign in IPL 2025 teeters, these comments reflect the growing sense of urgency around the franchise’s future planning.
