Chennai Super Kings (CSK) entered the IPL 2026 auction with a clear vision to rebuild their squad after a disappointing 2025 season. The five-time champions aimed to fill the gaps left by released and traded players, seeking a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Here’s a comprehensive look at their squad composition following the auction.
Key Acquisitions and Trades
CSK's most significant move before the auction was trading for Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. This bold trade addressed the top-order batting.
Retained Players
CSK retained a core group of players, signaling their faith in familiar faces. The retained list includes:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- Ayush Mhatre
- Dewald Brevis
- Shivam Dube
- Urvil Patel (wk)
- Anshul Kamboj
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Nathan Ellis
- Noor Ahmad
- Shreyas Gopal
- Gurjapneet Singh
- Jamie Overton
- Ramakrishna Ghosh
Released Players
CSK released several players before the auction, creating space for new talent and strategic acquisitions. Notable releases included Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Matheesha Pathirana.
Auction Strategy and Remaining Purse
Entering the auction with a substantial purse of ₹43.40 crore, CSK had the financial flexibility to target key players. They had nine slots to fill, with a focus on all-rounders and experienced bowlers.
Possible Playing XI
Based on the available squad, a possible CSK playing XI for IPL 2026 could be:
- Sanju Samson
- Ayush Mhatre
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
- Shivam Dube
- Dewald Brevis
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- Nathan Ellis
- Noor Ahmad
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Jamie Overton
Areas of Focus
CSK's management recognized the need to bolster their all-rounder department and add depth to their spin attack. The focus was on securing players who could contribute with both bat and ball, providing flexibility and balance to the team.
Looking Ahead
With a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters, Chennai Super Kings aim to bounce back from their disappointing performance in IPL 2025. The strategic acquisitions and retentions reflect a clear vision to rebuild a competitive squad capable of challenging for the title in IPL 2026.
