Revealed: R Ashwin IPL 2026 top 4 Teams, CSK Shockingly Left Out

The cricketing universe is abuzz again with the former India all-rounder R Ashwin IPL 2026 top 4 teams bold projections. Speaking on the event of IPL 2026, Ashwin mentioned his favourites for the title this year, and there was no place for CSK among them. As CSK is one of the most successful teams, this decision has raised eyebrows all over.

Moreover, Ashwin made these picks shortly after the IPL mini auction in Abu Dhabi. Therefore, his assessment carries weight because it reflects recent squad changes. He shared his views during an interaction on the Mumbai Indians’ official Instagram handle and later elaborated on his YouTube channel. Let us break down Ashwin’s picks, his reasoning, and why CSK did not cut on Winexchange.

Mumbai Indians Top Ashwin’s IPL 2026 Picks

Ashwin placed the Mumbai Indians at the very top of his IPL 2026 contenders list. According to him, MI look well prepared and strategically balanced. Seemingly, the franchise retained its championship core before the auction.

Moreover, the Mumbai Indians had done some intelligent trading before the season. They also acquired Sherfane Rutherford from the Gujarat Titans. Picked up Mayank Markande from the Kolkata Knight Riders and Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants. These were the signings that added to their batting depth as well as the variety in their bowling.

During the mini auction, MI continued its calculated approach. They signed Quinton de Kock for ₹1 crore. They also picked Danish Malewar, Mohammed Izhar, Atharva Ankolekar, and Mayank Rawat at base prices.

Ashwin strongly praised the de Kock signing. He felt MI capitalised while other teams hesitated. According to him, Mumbai seized the opportunity at the perfect time.

He also added that the MI want to go with the same combination of players from when they won the IPL 2020. Ishan Kishan is now absent, but the overall balance remains. Ashwin’s side, MI had a small purse of ₹2.75 crore, yet they were pretending to have ₹27 crore.

Consequently, Ashwin says the Mumbai Indians have come out stronger from the auction.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Earn Second Spot

Royal Challengers Bengaluru were the second team to be in the R Ashwin IPL 2026 top 4 teams. The reigning champions have managed to keep their core group together before the auction. It was this decision, Ashwin believed provided them with some stability and continuity.

The Kohli-led RCB won their first IPL title earlier in the year. So the momentum is obviously on their side. Furthermore, the management went about consolidating rather than changing everything drastically.

As per Win exch, RCB had picked up eight players in the auction. There were two big new names in the roster, batsman Venkatesh Iyer, picked for ₹4 crore, which makes him the most expensive Indian in this list and pacer Jacob Duffy, who fetched an even more princely sum of ₹2 crore. It made their batting and bowling line-ups stronger.

Ashwin appreciated RCB’s clarity. He felt the franchise understood its strengths and built around them. Because of that, he sees RCB as a strong playoff contender once again.

Punjab Kings Return to Ashwin’s Top Four

For PBKS, Ashwin sorted the Kings as his third option out of the R Ashwin IPL 2026 top 4 teams. In fact, Punjab is one of his ex-franchises. However, his choice relied on squad balance rather than sentiment.

PBKS reached the playoffs last season. That performance boosted confidence within the camp. Additionally, the club looked to keep a competitive nucleus in place with gaps filled.

Ashwin feels Punjab now have a blend of youth and experience in the side. He also believes their recent performance at throw-ins showed maturity. We, therefore, have a PBKS side that is now actually vying for a top-four place.

Rajasthan Royals Complete Ashwin’s Top Four

The Rajasthan Royals were in the 4th spot of the R Ashwin IPL 2026 top 4 teams. RR last season: Interestingly, RR did not make it to the playoffs last year.

Ashwin previously represented the Rajasthan Royals. Therefore, he understands the team culture and planning philosophy. He feels RR have quietly assembled a strong unit capable of challenging top sides.

Moreover, RR continue to back young Indian talent while maintaining overseas balance. Ashwin sees this approach as a long-term advantage.

Although RR face stiff competition, Ashwin believes they can surprise many teams.

Why CSK Missed Out on Ashwin’s List

The experts on Win exchange notice that Chennai Super Kings’ missing from Ashwin’s top four shocked many fans. CSK remain five-time champions and perennial contenders. However, Ashwin did not explain his decision in explicit detail.

Still, his picks suggest he prioritised recent momentum and auction outcomes. CSK faced transitional challenges in recent seasons. Therefore, Ashwin may feel that other teams currently look more settled.

Additionally, Ashwin focused on squads that strengthened significantly after the auction. In contrast, CSK adopted a more conservative approach.

While CSK always remain dangerous, Ashwin’s projection reflects the present squad dynamics rather than the legacy.

Ashwin’s Auction Insight Highlights MI’s Edge

Ashwin’s detailed comments about the Mumbai Indians stood out. He admired how MI maximised limited resources. According to him, other franchises hesitated while MI acted decisively.

He also questioned MI’s opening combination uncertainty. However, he felt de Kock solved that issue effectively. Moreover, MI already had a winning base before the auction.

Ashwin concluded that MI look even more formidable now. That assessment explains why he placed them above all others.

Final Thoughts

The latest R Ashwin IPL 2026 top 4 teams have hyped the next edition of the tournament. His decision to exclude CSK clearly stands out. However, his reasoning aligns with current squad strength and auction strategies.

Mumbai Indians appear as his clear favourites. Elsewhere, RCB, PBKS and RR form a crowded top four. With IPL 2026 around the corner, it will be interesting to see if Ashwin’s brave projections come true.

One thing remains certain. These projections have already led to heated debates and quite a bit of expectation on platforms like Winexch

FAQs

1. Why did R Ashwin pick the Mumbai Indians as his top IPL 2026 team?

He praised their signing of Quinton de Kock and felt MI strengthened an already winning squad.

2. Why did CSK not feature in Ashwin’s IPL 2026 projections?

Ashwin focused on recent form, auction performance, and squad balance. CSK may not have impressed him enough compared to other contenders despite their successful history.

3. Where did Ashwin share his IPL 2026 projections?

Ashwin shared his projections during an interaction on the Mumbai Indians’ Instagram handle. He later explained his views on his YouTube channel.

4. Did Ashwin praise any specific auction signing?

Yes, Ashwin strongly praised the Mumbai Indians’ signing of Quinton de Kock. He felt MI capitalised while other franchises hesitated.