There is little question in that

Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin predicted the winner of the upcoming IPL 2026 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). The game will be played on Friday, April 3, in Chennai.

While Ashwin stated he always has a soft corner for CSK, his former franchise, he reckoned that PBKS start as favorites to beat the five-time champions. He added that it would be important for CSK’s top order to fire in this game.

“I always have a corner for CSK. But it is difficult to stop Punjab. I will say they are favorites. There is no doubt in that. CSK’s top three will have to do the heavy lifting. I want Gaikwad and Sanju to come into form,” he said on ‘Ash ki Baat‘.

Traditionally, the wicket at the Chepauk is known to assist spinners and has not been an easy surface to bat on. However, having observed from close quarters, Ashwin stated that the wicket is hard and looks like a belter this time around. He opined that bowlers will have a difficult time, and spinners may not get a lot out of the surface.

“There is bounce on this Chennai wicket, it is hard and is looking like a belter. If there is even a little grass, the ball will come onto the bat nicely. If you miss your lengths even by a bit, the ball will go far. I am not expecting a lot of help for the spinners here,” he explained.

CSK lost their opening clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) by eight wickets. The game against Punjab will be their first home match of the season.

Ravichandran Ashwin on CSK’s strategy against PBKS

Ravichandran Ashwin emphasised the importance of CSK’s top three batters against PBKS. He reckoned that at least one of the three between Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ayush Mhatre would have to bat till 15 overs for them to post a solid total.

Moreover, Ashwin also added that they would have to score around 20 to 25 extra runs to give their bowling a cushion, given that the death bowling does not appear as lethal at the moment for CSK. In such a scenario, he reckoned that bowling first and chasing would be an ideal option for them.

“Samson does not have a great record at Chepauk. But now he is a different player and confident player. He will better his record here too and I have no doubt. But if CSK have to beat Punjab, Punjab have a great batting line-up. I feel it will be a high-scoring game. I feel Gaikwad, Mhatre, and Samson, at least one of these three, will have to bat 15 overs and then the power hitters can bat around them. Especially with no Brevis, they will have to bat 15 overs at least. CSK have to score 10-15 runs more than the par score. The bowling is a bit weak at the death. So maybe they have to get 20-25 runs more if they are batting first. The best situation for CSK is to bowl first, restrict the other team and chase,” he said.

Ruturaj and his troops will be keen to win their first home game and get their campaign back on track early.