Aakash Chopra Dismisses Rumoured CSK-DC IPL Trade

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes Delhi Capitals (DC) are unlikely to trade Ashutosh Sharma to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in return for Rahul Chahar. While he agreed that DC are in need of a spinner after Kuldeep Yadav’s move to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Chopra questioned whether Chahar is the right player to fill that gap.

Both DC and CSK are expected to strengthen their squads before IPL 2027 after ending the previous season in sixth and eighth place respectively. Reports have suggested that Ashutosh and Chahar could be involved in a swap ahead of the mini auction.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra, the former India opener was asked about the reported trade, especially with Ashutosh impressing as an all-rounder in domestic white-ball cricket in England.

“Everyone is saying that he is an all-rounder, so why is Delhi letting him go? I am not sure. They will not give him in exchange for Rahul Chahar. Yes, they have let Kuldeep go, and they need a spinner, but will Rahul Chahar be that spinner?” he said.

CSK Would Benefit More from the Deal, Says Chopra

Chopra felt such a deal would clearly work in Chennai Super Kings’ favour if it goes through.

“That’s the big question. If Delhi have to give away Ashutosh for Rahul Chahar, then it’s not a good trade. I feel Chennai will benefit much more from that deal. They would be delighted to have Ashutosh, and hopefully they will make better use of him than Delhi managed,” he added.

The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player also said Delhi Capitals would come out on the losing side if they agreed to the exchange.

“Why should Delhi release Ashutosh? They should keep playing him. He is an outstanding lower-order batter. He has also started bowling a bit now. Whether that bowling works in the IPL is another matter, but Delhi shouldn’t let him leave. Certainly not in exchange for Rahul Chahar. I don’t think that would be the right move,” Chopra said.

Ashutosh Sharma scored 171 runs in eight innings during IPL 2026 at a strike rate of 181.91. Rahul Chahar featured in only one match for CSK this season, finishing with figures of 0/46 from four overs.

KKR and LSG Backed as Best Destinations for Hardik

In the same video, Chopra said Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) would be the best destinations for Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027.

“Every team can make a place for Hardik Pandya. However, the best team for him would be one where a captain is required. KKR and LSG – these two teams need a captain. So it will be good if he goes in either of the two directions. Who can LSG give? They will have to put a foreigner because they can’t give an Indian batter, and they can add an Indian bowler with him, which is a great thing,” he said.

Chopra Suggests Potential Trade Options for Mumbai

Chopra also suggested the players KKR could offer Mumbai Indians if they wanted to bring Hardik back.

“If I look at it from KKR’s point of view, they can give an overseas all-rounder – Cameron Green, but I would say you need to be slightly wary in a World Cup year, or else they can also give a bowler. They can give Harshit Rana or Varun Chakaravarthy, although they might not be interested in Varun,” Chopra observed.

He also felt Chennai Super Kings may not be the ideal destination for Hardik. According to Chopra, CSK are expected to continue with Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain, while Sanju Samson is already available as another leadership option if a change is needed.

Ultimately, these early trade rumors show just how desperate teams are to fix their squads after a rough season, and the upcoming trade window is bound to shake things up before anyone even sets foot in the auction room.

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