Chennai Super Kings head into the IPL 2026 mini-auction with one of the strongest financial positions in the league, holding a purse of Rs 43.40 crore, the second-highest among all teams. With nine slots to fill, including four overseas spots, CSK are expected to focus on plugging a few critical gaps rather than rebuilding from scratch.
CSK squad overview
Probable playing XII:
Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, All-rounder, All-rounder/finisher, MS Dhoni (wk), Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed
Other squad members:
Urvil Patel, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Jamie Overton
What CSK need at the auction
With the top five largely settled, CSK’s biggest concern lies in the middle order and bowling depth.
The franchise traded out Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to secure Sanju Samson, leaving them short of multi-dimensional all-rounders. CSK are now expected to pursue two all-rounders with contrasting skill sets — one spin-bowling all-rounder and one pace-bowling option who can also finish games with the bat.
Another pressing issue is death-over bowling. CSK were the least effective side at the death last season in terms of run rate, and the release of Matheesha Pathirana has further exposed this weakness. While Nathan Ellis remains the frontline option, CSK will likely look for a reliable overseas death bowler as cover — or even attempt to re-sign Pathirana if the price allows.
The spin department also needs attention. With R. Ashwin retired and Jadeja gone, CSK lack a proven finger spinner. Shreyas Gopal remains the only reserve option, making the addition of a spin-bowling all-rounder almost essential.
Potential targets for CSK
CSK are expected to be aggressive for versatile players who can bat deep and bowl meaningful overs. Names that fit their requirements include:
- Cameron Green – premium pace-bowling all-rounder
- Venkatesh Iyer – Indian all-rounder with top-order flexibility
- Liam Livingstone – power-hitter with spin options
- Jason Holder – seam-bowling all-rounder and death overs option
- Michael Bracewell – spin-bowling all-rounder with finishing ability
- Mustafizur Rahman – experienced left-arm death bowler
- Prashant Veer, Sunny Sandhu – domestic depth options
Auction outlook
Armed with a strong purse and clear role clarity, CSK are well-placed to secure most of their priority targets. The challenge will be balancing experience with impact, especially in a mini-auction where quality bowlers are scarce. Expect CSK to focus less on headline buys and more on players who fit specific tactical roles, particularly in the middle overs and at the death.
