Ravichandran Ashwin, a former spinner for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has disclosed his preferred lineup for the five-time IPL champions as they prepare for the 2026 season. His team includes Prashant Veer, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder who was acquired for ₹14.20 crore during the auction, while Karthik Sharma, who also fetched the same amount, was left out.

Both players made headlines as the joint-most expensive uncapped players in IPL auction history. Prashant Veer, at just 20 years old, has participated in nine T20 matches, claiming 12 wickets and boasting a batting strike rate of 167.16. With Ravindra Jadeja's recent trade to the Rajasthan Royals, CSK seems to be positioning Veer as a long-term successor to the seasoned all-rounder.

Karthik, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, has a strike rate of 162.92 across 12 T20 games and is regarded as a promising talent. However, Ashwin indicated that Karthik might only serve as an impact player based on team dynamics, while Veer is expected to occupy the number six spot in the playing XI.

Ashwin's proposed CSK lineup includes Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni, Akeal Hosein or Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, and Noor Ahmed. This selection showcases a blend of seasoned players and emerging stars, with Dhoni still making the cut.

CSK's head coach, Stephen Fleming, shared insights on the franchise's evolving strategy, suggesting that the emphasis on experience may be diminishing. He noted the emergence of fearless young cricketers, who have been nurtured in the T20 format, as a transformative force in the game. Fleming remarked, "In previous seasons, I believed experience would prevail, but now we see fearless athletes with impressive skill sets who are unafraid to showcase their talents in any environment."

He further explained that these younger players, often dubbed "T20 babies," are entering the game without the constraints that come with experience. Fleming pointed out that seasoned players sometimes overanalyze situations, while younger cricketers tend to play with freedom and instinct.

After a challenging IPL 2025 season, where CSK finished last in the standings, their strategy for 2026, which includes significant investments in uncapped players, signals a commitment to future growth.