“He got AB and Virat Kohli out with googlies” - R Ashwin’s huge praise for CSK bowler ahead of IPL 2026

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin praised Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Shreyas Gopal. Gopal has been retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Ashwin lauded the 32-year-old for his wicket-taking abilities and added how he has added to his skillset as a spinner. He recalled having watched Gopal closely at the CSK nets last season and revealed that he started bowling leg-breaks as well apart from googlies.

"I want to talk about Shreyas Gopal's performance. I have a name for him - wickets Gopal. A spinners matures with age they say. I have watched him from close quarters last year. He has worked a lot on his bowling. He got AB and Virat Kohli out with googlies and shot to fame. Now he has started leg-break as well. I saw in the CSK nets. He works very consistently, is very eager and asks questions as well," he said on his YouTube channel.

Gopal has been in brilliant form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 for Karnataka. He has bagged 27 wickets in five matches so far at an average of 17.51. Known for his all-round abilities, he has also scored 290 runs in seven innings with four half-centuries.

He was with CSK last season but did not get an opportunity to play. Ashwin reckoned that the Karnataka spinner would have been disappointed. With Noor Ahmed present and having done well, he was unsure if they would look to play two wrist spinners.

However, with Ashwin having retired from the IPL and Ravindra Jadeja traded out, CSK will need some experienced spinners in the XI, which could open up a chance for Gopal. The former cricketer also stated that Gopal was a prime example of spinners getting better with age.

"I am sure he was disappointed at the end of the season that he did not get any game time. I dont now if they will play two wrist spinners and bank on Gopal this time around, but the way he bowled in the Maharaja Trophy, he picked wickets whenever needed. Obviously, he does not have the power in T20 cricket but he is also a very utility cricketer, a very good fielder. I don't know how much they will utilize him but he is an example that spinners can mature with age. So good times for Gopal and CSK," he reflected.

The five-time champions will go into the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of ₹43.40 crore with nine slots remaining.

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CSK will have an eye on Kartik Sharma, feels Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin also reflected that CSK would have an eye on the young rising star Kartik Sharma. The Rajasthan wicketkeeper batter has made waves at the age of 19. He smashed a 139-ball 100 against Delhi in the ongoing Ranji Trophy clash.

In seven T20s, he has scored 201 runs in six innings, at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 164.75.

"Kartik Sharma is young and baggage-free. He is a power hitter in the middle order. You can say that you can bank on his talent. But Ayush Mhatre performed well last year, but let's not forget, he plays in the top order. It is easier to bat there but for a youngster to come in and create impact in the middle order in T20 cricket is not easy. There are too many expectations that a new talent will be groomed. I did not expect them to leave Vansh Bedi. They might definitely have an eye on Kartik Sharma now," he said.

Notably, Kartik was seen in the CSK camp during the previous IPL, where he gave trials. Therefore, they could have him on the radar this time around, considering his solid recent performances.