Senior India off-spinner and former CSK bowler, R Ashwin has predicted that CSK are very likely to go after Karun Nair in the upcoming IPL 2024 auction as the franchise is looking for a replacement at number 4 for the retired Ambati Rayudu.
Rayudu, who played for CSK from 2018, retired at the end of the IPL 2023 season, with this 6th IPL trophy – he won three IPL titles with Mumbai Indians until 2017, then he won three with CSK. Rayudu played a huge role for CSK in its success and now the franchise has a big hole to fill.
While many fans are contending Manish Pandey’s name – Pandey has been released by Delhi Capitals – R Ashwin feels it would be Karun Nair who would be bought by CSK because he is an excellent player of spinners.
R Ashwin said in his YouTube video: “I have a feeling that they will invest it on Karun Nair. They are searching for a replacement for Ambati Rayudu. Shahrukh is not a replacement for him at No.4. I have no idea who they are going to play in that position this season. They might try a left-hand option but if you look at CSK’s track record, they have never gone for an unknown commodity. They have never played anybody who just did well in their first season of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. So Karun Nair, folks, brace yourself to see him in yellow.”
Karun Nair could sweep and reverse sweep: R Ashwin
Hailing Nair’s spin game, R Ashwin pointed out that Nair is only the second Indian batsman to hit a Test triple century, and he did it in Chennai back in 2016. Nair’s career, however, didn’t rise much after that. But recently he had an impressive County season, where he averaged 83, and if he comes to CSK, MS Dhoni might be able to revive Nair’s career as he has done with many players.
“He is somebody who can play spin well, who could sweep and reverse sweep. MS Dhoni loves it when there is a batter who can play between the top order and the middle order in the No.4 slot, especially in Chennai. I feel Karun Nair is perfect for that. I haven’t really seen Manish Pandey play spin too much in Chennai but Karun Nair, remember has a triple hundred in a Test match played in Chennai.” Ashwin asserted.
Karun Nair has been released by Rajasthan Royals.
