Ravichandran Ashwin backs Prashant Veer to replace Ravindra Jadeja in Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 XI after Veer's record Rs 14.2 crore signing.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that 20-year-old Uttar Pradesh allrounder Prashant Veer should replace Ravindra Jadeja in the Chennai Super Kings’ playing XI in IPL 2026, after the latter was traded to the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Veer was one of the standout buys at the event. The youngster, who has played just nine T20s over the past two years, was picked up for a whopping Rs 14.2 crore by the five-time champions.

With Jadeja no more a part of the franchise, there is a chance that Veer might make his debut in Chennai’s very first game in IPL 2026.

Replying to an X post by CSK, asking fans to suggest their playing XI for IPL 2026, besides an impact player, Ashwin suggested that Ayush Mhatre should open with Samson, followed by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad at three.

Ashwin said that Shivam Dube should be slotted at No. 4, followed by Dewald Brevis at 5 and Veer at 6. His playing XI had former India captain MS Dhoni at No. 7, Akeal Hosein or Matt Henry at 8, with Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis and Noor Ahmad finishing off the XI.

Ashwin named Anshul Kamboj, Karthik Sharma, Shreyas Gopal and Sarfaraz as the impact player options.

Chennai Super Kings signed nine cricketers at the auction, making headlines by splurging a record Rs 14.2 crore each on uncapped Indian duo Veer and Kartik.

The five-time champions also bolstered their pace arsenal by bringing in New Zealand quicks Matt Henry and Zak Foulkes.

Ahead of IPL 2025, CSK put together what looked like a strong, experienced team at the mega auction, retaining a core group while adding proven names. The franchise roped in players such as Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Shreyas Gopal, Deepak Hooda, Devon Conway, Noor, Khaleel, Ashwin, Sam Curran, Shaik Rasheed and Jamie Overton, among others.

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