Ravichandran Ashwin accused of exposing CSK’s IPL 2026 auction plans; breaks his silence

The IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi was marred by a strange controversy involving the former India legend. Ravichandran Ashwin and its long-term franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After retiring from the IPL in August 2025, Ashwin has become a popular digital analyst, but his recent ‘perfect’ predictions have landed him in hot water with a section of the CSK faithful.

The off-spinner correctly predicted that the Super Kings would break the bank for the Indian domestic stars. Karthik Sharma and Prashant Veer, A prediction that came true moments after CSK secured both for a staggering 14.2 crores. This uncanny accuracy led to Ashwin’s viral charges “leaked” the franchise’s confidential scouting targets, potentially allowing rival teams to raise prices. Amid memes and angry tweets, Ashwin finally broke his silence on December 18, 2025, using his trademark to deny the allegations and defend his analytical prowess in the highly digital age.

Former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin denies CSK leaked IPL 2026 auction plans

The main catalyst for the backlash was the record-breaking nature of CSK’s acquisitions. By spending the combine 28.4 mln over two wickets, CSK effectively set a new benchmark for in-house evaluations, but many fans felt the ‘headlines’ coming from Ashwin’s social media. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders leverage to inflate bids.

Ashwin, however, found the idea of ​​billion-dollar franchises basing their strategies on his tweets essentially laughable. Addressing a fan on X who asked how happy he was after “leaking all the options”, Ashwin replied with laughing emojis: “How do you believe these lies? The Orange Army (SRH) had Muralitharan, Vettori, analysts and scouts sitting around the table and yet they believed my tweets? Use some logic!” His response demonstrated the critical reality of modern IPL auctions, with every team now using rigorous scouting networks that determine the same. “hidden gems” It makes it inevitable that top local acts like Kartik and Prashant will lead to massive bidding wars regardless of social media chatter.

How do you believe these lies?🤣🤣 https://t.co/5yzWUZjuta

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 17, 2025

The Orange Army had Muralitharan, Vettori, analysts and scouts sitting around the table and yet they believed my tweets.🤓🤓 https://t.co/Q5r9W07VCW

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 17, 2025

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The evolution of CSK: From father’s army to a youth-led future

Apart from the Ashwin drama, the 2026 auction marked a historic shift in Chennai Super Kings’ DNA, moving away from its traditional reliance on veteran experience and towards a high-risk, high-reward youth policy. Head coach Stephen Fleming The 19-year-old Rajasthan wicketkeeper Karthik and Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant clarified that scouting has been going on for over a year.

Fleming said thatWe have been watching Karthik for a while now; he was like a net bowler with us last year. These were not “spill” or impulsive purchases; they were replacements for the core we lost after the Ravindra Jadeja trade. While Ashwin’s retirement has created a void in the dressing room, his role as a public “scout of the game” continues to bridge the gap between fans and the technical side of the sport. despite missing targets such as Cameron GreenWith a record 25.2 crore going to KKR, the CSK management is confident that their investment of 28 crore in the youngsters will provide the long-term stability needed to reclaim the trophy in the post-Dhoni era.

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