IPL 2026: Subramaniam Badrinath explains why CSK will benefit from buying forgotten Indian leg-spinner at auction

Published - 08 Dec 2025, 13:00 IST | Updated - 08 Dec 2025, 13:00 IST

Former Chennai Super Kings cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has opined CSK should go after Ravi Bishnoi at the upcoming auction for IPL 2026. Bishnoi was released by Lucknow Super Giants after speanding four seasons with them.

Badrinath commented on the explosiveness Bishnoi could potentially bring to the lineup along with Noor Ahmad, especially during home matches at Chepauk. The cricketer-turned-commentator also predicted Bishnoi as someone for whom multiple teams will be willing to pay a hefty sum.

"He'll be a great option, one CSK will definitely target. They are without two specialist spinners, Jadeja and Ashwin. They definitely need a spinner, and Ravi Bishnoi will be a four-over bowler. Wrist spinners have been successful at Chepauk. Noor Ahmad and Ravi Bishnoi will form a super combination. He'll probably go for a high price, but CSK will benefit if they buy him," stated Badrinath in a video on his YouTube channel.

The 45-year-old also listed the fast bowlers who the five-time champions should target at the auction. He reckoned that re-acquiring Matheesha Pathirana will be a good deal for CSK.

"CSK definitely need a death bowler. Anrich Nortje is a tearaway fast bowler who can bowl with the new ball and in the end overs. Gerald Coetzee will be a good option, having also played for the Joburg Super Kings before. CSK also bid for him strongly in the last auction. Buying Matheesha Pathirana back for a lower price won't be a bad option. But a death bowler is a must for CSK, for which they can go for one of these three options," he added.

CSK have INR 43.4 crore left in the bank with nine available slots to go after at the auction. As far as overseas options are concerned, the Men in Yellow have four left. They will aim on maximising their auction in terms of buying some quality players to complete the squad.

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The auction is scheduled to be held on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. CSK will have their eyes on finetuning their squad. They are coming on the back of a 10th-placed finish in the previous installment of the marquee league.