Former CSK player Ashwin has issued a clear warning to Chennai Super Kings saying do not let Shivam Dube leave. Speaking on his YouTube channel about growing talk of a possible Hardik Pandya trade, Ashwin said Shivam Dube is being undervalued after a quiet IPL 2026 and that CSK would regret releasing him. The left-hander managed just over 200 runs in a tough season and was criticised for his fielding. Ashwin acknowledged the ordinary numbers but insisted the package remains hard to replace a tall left-hander who can clear the ropes, especially against spin. These comments from the off-spinner come while there are rumours circulating that CSK could trade Dube, Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj in a deal for Hardik Pandya.

“Certain players always get undervalued in CSK during the season. Shivam Dube has had some very ordinary drops in the field. But I am warning CSK that Dube will be a beast if you let go of him. If Dube goes out of CSK, he will become a monster elsewhere. Dube is a rare commodity in India, as a left-handed batter with long levers who can strike a long ball,” Ashwin said.

Ashwin did not rule out Khaleel being moved if the left-armer has sought a release, but he flagged the risk of losing multiple Indian seamers at once. “If CSK has to let go of Dube, Khaleel and Kamboj to get Hardik, where will they go for an Indian seamer?” he asked. The former Indian off-spinner has long backed Dube’s skill set. He has previously described the all-rounder’s transformation since joining CSK and continues to see him as a unique option in Indian cricket. For now his message to the franchise is straightforward: think carefully before deciding Dube is expendable.

KKR Show Greater Interest in Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya’s future at Mumbai Indians remains unclear, with both Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings continuing to monitor the situation even as talks stay at a very early stage. MI have not committed to trading their captain. Sources indicate the franchise is still weighing whether to move him at all ahead of IPL 2027. Discussions with KKR and CSK have taken place, but there have been no trade yet.

KKR have been the more proactive side in recent weeks. The three-time champions are looking for a new captain after Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement. There are rumours going on about them looking to get Hardik the leadership role. Possible trade discussed in reports include a swap involving Cameron Green, or younger Indian options such as Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana. An all-cash deal has also been mentioned, though MI’s preference between cash and players is still unclear.

CSK’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said that the franchise has not yet decided its full attention to the matter. “We have not started applying our minds to this. First, we will have a coach,” he said. CSK are still finalising a new head coach after Stephen Fleming’s long tenure ended