Mohammed Shami and R Ashwin to CSK? Dhoni & Co. eye India duo at IPL auction – Report

Mohammed Shami and R Ashwin to CSK? Dhoni & Co. eye India duo at IPL auction – Report

New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seem to have already started planning for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. While all eyes will be on whether CSK retain the legendary MS Dhoni or not, the five-time champions will also have a huge task at hand to rebuild a strong squad after letting go of some big names ahead of the auction.

The BCCI is yet to announce the rules and the retention policy for the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, that hasn’t stopped the franchises from formulating their plans for the next season. CSK are reportedly set to target two big Indian names at the mega auction to strengthen their bowling attack.

As per a report in RevSportz, CSK are set to target senior India pacer Mohammed Shami and will also look to get back their former spinner R Ashwin at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Shami is currently part of the Gujarat Titans (GT) squad while Ashwin plays for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Both players are among the favourites to be retained by their respective teams.

Will Gujarat Titans release Mohammed Shami?

Shami has become a vital cog in the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack ever since joining the 2022 IPL champions for Rs 6.25 crore ahead of their debut season. He played a key role in helping them win their maiden title in their inaugural season before helping them reach their second consecutive final in IPL 2023.

Shami, who is a regular for India and one of the most experienced fast bowlers in the country, has so far played 33 matches for Gujarat Titans in the IPL and has 48 wickets to his name. He is GT’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Rashid Khan. Shami will be high on GT’s list of players that they want to retain ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction and they might not want to release the pacer.

R Ashwin’s last dance at CSK?

Ashwin began his IPL career under Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings and established his credentials as one of the best spinners in the world. He played under Dhoni for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant when CSK were banned for two seasons in 2016 and 2017 before being bought by Punjab Kings at the IPL 2018 mega auction.

Ashwin led Punjab Kings for two seasons in IPL 2018 and 2019 before being bought by Delhi Capitals. He joined his current team Rajasthan Royals in 2022 and has enjoyed a successful stint at the franchise with 35 wickets from 45 matches. CSK might look to get Ashwin back if he is released by RR as he is still one of the best spinners around and has a plethora of experience in the IPL.

 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly set to target senior India bowlers R Ashwin and Mohammed Shami at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Ashwin is currently part of the RR squad while Shami plays for the Gujarat Titans.  Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today