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Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a massive prediction ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, tipping an Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star to become a future powerhouse and the next generations’ Andre Russell.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL 2026 predictions
Indian Premier League: The next generation’s Andre Russell
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Ash ki Baat, alongside Vimal Kumar, Ashwin provided an expansive analysis of the RCB squad’s strengths, focusing heavily on their power-hitting resources, which were instrumental in their prior title-winning season. He pointed out the dual threat posed by their overseas finishers, saying: “RCB have caught Tim David at his peak, and Romario Shepherd is also getting there.”
Shepherd, who was retained for INR 1.50 crore, had previously showcased his destructive capability, notably hammering 53 off only 14 deliveries against the Super Kings. Ashwin also noted the West Indian all-rounder’s consistent improvement, stating: “Shepherd was in his elements against New Zealand recently, his bowling is also getting better now.” This combination of improving bowling and established destructive batting power led Ashwin to make his boldest claim.
Ashwin asserted: “You are probably talking about the next generation’s Andre Russell,” directly comparing Shepherd to one of the most successful T20 players globally. Ashwin explained the tactical benefit of having such deep power-hitting resources, which fundamentally alters the role of their top order batsmen. He concluded that having Shepherd and David means: “RCB have taken them both, and have the power in the end.” This power allows their super star batter a crucial cushion, as Ashwin details: “So, Virat Kohli can take all the time that he needs. If he scores 80 off 50, even then RCB are in a great position.”
Most settled IPL franchise in South India ahead of mini-auction
RCB will enter the upcoming auction as the defending champions, having clinched their maiden title this year against the Punjab Kings under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. The franchise will rely heavily on their retained core to perform in the next tournament. Despite the team’s strong foundation, Ashwin suggested a specific area of weakness that the defending champions must address in Abu Dhabi.
The retired spinner advised that: “RCB can maybe look for some fast bowling back-ups,” a necessity given they released Lungi Ngidi and the injury struggles of Josh Hazlewood. However, Ashwin quickly balanced this advice by praising the overall stability of the team, especially among the franchises based in the Southern region of India. He explicitly declared that RCB is: “but they are the most settled team in the South.”
Further elaborating on the core strength, he confirmed: “Their batting order is set,” indicating confidence in the top and middle order. Ashwin also commented on the likely form and motivation of Virat Kohli when he returns to the IPL. He believes that: “Virat Kohli will obviously come in with a lot of energy, a lot of fire,” given his current motivation and form. The reason for this expected high energy is clear: “because he is getting a lot of breaks these days,” managing his international workload effectively. Finally, the spinner predicted that the former RCB captain: “so he will come back as a reigning champion,” ready to lead the charge again in the season that culminates in the auction on December 16.
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