Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has warned the five-time Indian Premier League winning franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against trading Shivam Dube, who he called a ‘rare commodity’.
Dube’s IPL 2026 season with CSK was subpar; he managed 203 runs in 9 innings with a maximum score of 47 not out. Ashwin acknowledged that Dube had a mediocre season the previous year, but he also cautioned CSK that if they let him leave during the off-season trading window, the player might become a beast. In the event that Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya joins CSK, Dube has been one of the main names mentioned in possible trade agreements.
“Certain players always get undervalued in CSK during the season. Shivam Dube has had some very ordinary drops in the field. But I am warning CSK that Dube will be a beast if you let go of him. If Dube goes out of CSK, he will become a monster elsewhere. Dube is a rare commodity in India, as a left-handed batter with long levers who can strike a long ball,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
Ashwin Highlights Possible Challenges For CSK
Ashwin also emphasised the significant obstacles that CSK would encounter even if Hardik joins them, particularly in light of the possibility that a trade deal might necessitate the loss of a few important players.
“There was talk last year itself that Khaleel Ahmed asked for a release from CSK. I am not sure of the position now. But when a player makes such a request, the franchise eventually has to adhere to it and consider it. So, I won’t rule him out as a part of the Hardik trade. But if CSK has to let go of Dube, Khaleel and Kamboj to get Hardik, where will they go for an Indian seamer?” he said.
“So even if MI gives Hardik to CSK, they will look to break CSK’s backbone when theirs is being broken. Also, CSK’s biggest hole isn’t the batting, and if Hardik comes in, it’ll further strengthen their middle-order and finishing. But by giving up Kamboj and Khaleel, CSK have to manage with Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton, which will be difficult,” Ashwin added.
In addition, Ashwin listed the individuals CSK should pursue to strengthen their bowling attack in the event that is traded for core players.
“If they get Hardik and give away Indian pacers, should target guys like Josh Tongue and Sonny Baker as Chepauk has good bounce. They can also play Nathan Ellis and look for an Indian spinner. There was some news around Sai Kishore. CSK should go all out for a good Indian spinner,” said Ashwin.