Last Updated on 3 weeks ago by Charbel Coorey
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) completely changed their approach in the IPL 2026 auction. From targeting the experienced players to now picking up youngsters for a very hefty sum, we have seen a big change from the 5-time IPL champions.
CSK traded Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran ahead of the auction, while they bought the likes of Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Sarfaraz Khan and Akeal Hosein.
With the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, and MS Dhoni already there, it looks like a solid middle order, but the inexperience of some players can be a cause for concern.
CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2024 and 2025, and now they’ll be itching to do well in IPL 2026.
CSK’s possible 11 for IPL 2026: Is death bowling a concern?
1. Ayush Mhatre, 2. Sanju Samson, 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), 4. Dewald Brevis (OS), 5. Kartik Sharma, 6. Shivam Dube, 7. MS Dhoni (wk), 8. Prashant Veer, 9. Matt Henry (OS), 10. Noor Ahmad (OS), 11. Khaleel Ahmed
Impact sub: Jamie Overton/Akeal Hosein (OS)
In a huge blow, Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury. The Australian was CSK’s key bowler at the death, and his absence now leaves a big gap in this department. CSK replaced him with fellow Australian Spencer Johnson, who will join the squad around April 21-23 according to ESPNcricinfo.
On the batting front, Samson will open the innings alongside Ayush Mhatre with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad batting at 3. It’ll be interesting to see where Kartik Sharma bats, as Dewald Brevis did a great job for them at number four. Urvil Patel and Sarfaraz Khan are also solid options to leave out on the bench.
Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, and Prashant Veer will do the finishing duties for the Men in Yellow.
Bowling-wise, Khaleel Ahmed should start, as he provides that left-arm option and picked up plenty of wickets with the new ball in IPL 2025.
They may choose Jamie Overton – or even Akeal Hosein – as their impact sub player as per the conditions and match situation.
Overall, CSK has good batting depth with plenty of explosive players in their ranks. Bowling – especially at the death – could be a concern, especially with the news of Ellis’ injury.
Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer will have plenty of hopes in their debut IPL season. But they have the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Ramkrishna Ghosh in their ranks if things go south. Aman Khan and Anshul Kamboj are other good options CSK could try throughout the season.
