Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the possibility of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) trading for Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Axar Patel ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.
Reports suggest that CSK are interested in acquiring Axar from Delhi. Patel, along with Ashutosh Sharma can move to Chennai Super Kings in exchange of Dewald Brevis and Noor Ahmad.
Ashwin believes the Indian all-rounder could bring considerable balance to Chennai’s squad with his contributions in both batting and bowling. However, he added the five-time champions won’t need Akeal Hosein’s services if they are able to add Patel to their squad.
“Why is this trade even possible? Think about why this trade could even make sense. A player of this commodity can give them balance. If Axar comes, they will not need Akeal Hosein at all. Why is Delhi even thinking, if at all they are? Where Ganguly was the mentor at Pretoria Capitals, Brevis did well single-handedly, and he will rate him. They might go after him. And Brevis is with CSK. They let Kuldeep go, so Noor Ahmed could be enticing too,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
On the other hand, Ashwin reckons if Axar Patel is traded to CSK, either KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant can take over as DC’s captain. Ashwin said head coach Saurav Ganguly can convince Pant to play freely as a leader.
“It might be possible. It can happen. KL Rahul is a good and experienced option. Pant needs to play freely. If someone can convince him not to take captaincy and play freely as a player, it is Dada (Ganguly). No one else can. It may not be a bad call,” he said.
Both Rahul and Pant have leadership experience in the IPL, having led Lucknow Super Giants in the past.
