The IPL 2026 mini auction wrapped up on December 16, sparking intense debates on title favorites, and veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has fueled
the fire with his predicted top four semifinalists.
Backed by decades of IPL experience, Ashwin spotlighted retention-heavy squads, value-for-money auction hauls, and injury resilience as the blueprints for success.
Mumbai Indians Lead as Retention Masters
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) top Ashwin's list, thanks to their pre-auction retentions of stars like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah-forming a powerhouse core worth over INR 50 crore in RTM rights. This stability outpaces rivals scrambling for cohesion.
Ashwin lauded their bargain hunting, especially snagging Quinton de Kock for just INR 1 crore to anchor the top order with explosive batting and glovework. "I think MI is gonna get there for certain," said Ashwin in a video shared by Mumbai Indians on social media.
RCB's Defense Rides on Pace Duo Fitness
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) rank second, bolstered by retaining Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, then adding Venkatesh Iyer for INR 7 crore to deepen all-round options. Yet Ashwin warns their run depends on bowling health.
Josh Hazlewood's availability-post his IPL 2025 impact-and Yash Dayal's left-arm swing will be make-or-break for a third straight playoffs push. "I believe that RCB will again make it. Punjab Kings, unless ofcourse RCB dont have Hazlewood or probably they dont have the services of Yash Dayal, then I dont know where they will be placed but I do think Punjab and Mumbai have put together good squads," added Ashwin.
Punjab Kings Build Balanced Unit Under Iyer
Last season's runners-up, Punjab Kings (PBKS), secure third spot via smart retentions of Shreyas Iyer (captain), Arshdeep Singh, and Prabhsimran Singh, paired with auction gems like Ben Dwarshuis (INR 4.2 crore for seam variety) and teenage all-rounder Cooper Connolly (INR 3 crore) for X-factor depth.
This setup delivers batting firepower, spin options via Yuzvendra Chahal, and pace bite-making PBKS one of the auction's most versatile outfits.
Rajasthan Royals' Youth-Experience Mix Seals Fourth
Ashwin completes his quartet with Rajasthan Royals (RR), his ex-franchise, praising their revamped squad after retaining Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag.
"I have a small different opinion compared to what I had some time ago and I think that's Rajasthan Royals. They have cooked together a mighty good side," Ashwin concluded.
