CSK's strongest playing XI for IPL 2026

CSK bought 9 players in the IPL 2026 auction.

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) auction has concluded, with 369 players shortlisted and the remaining 77 available slots filled by the franchises. Chennai Super Kings entered the auction with a purse of ₹43.4 crore, the second-highest among all teams.

Many people expected CSK to focus on experienced players, but after failing to acquire Cameron Green, there was a major shift in their approach as they aggressively pursued domestic uncapped talent.

Super Kings are currently going through a transition phase, and despite being known in recent years for backing seasoned and experienced players, they have now invested heavily in youth.

This change in strategy adds depth and potential to the squad but also creates a challenge in finalising the ideal playing XI for the season. On that note, let’s take a look at the strongest playing XI of CSK for IPL 2026.

CSK’s pick in the mini-auction

Chennai Super Kings‘ strategy in the mini auction was clear from the outset. They began by focusing heavily on uncapped players, signing Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer and Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma for ₹14.2 crore each.

Both players will be featuring in their first IPL season, and such a massive investment reflects the strong faith Super Kings have placed in their potential.

After securing young talent, CSK shifted their attention towards adding experience and depth to the squad. They picked up Matt Henry at his base price of ₹2 crore, West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein for ₹2 crore, and Australian all-rounder Matthew Short for ₹1.5 crore.

To strengthen their spin department, they acquired quality Indian leg-spinner Rahul Chahar for ₹5.2 crore. CSK further bolstered their middle order by signing Sarfaraz Khan for ₹75 lakh and added all-round depth with Aman Khan for ₹40 lakh.

They eventually rounded off their auction by acquiring New Zealand pacer Zak Foulkes for ₹75 lakh, completing a well-balanced and future-focused squad.

What could be the CSK’s playing XI?

CSK traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson, who is now expected to open the innings for the team. Partnering with him at the top could be the young Ayush Mhatre, who impressed in that role last season.

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to be slotted in at his preferred No. 3 position, followed by South African batter Dewald Brevis at No. 4 and Shivam Dube at No. 5. In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, Prashant Veer could bat at No. 6, as he offers a similar combination of middle-order batting and left-arm spin.

There are some concerns regarding MS Dhoni‘s fitness; ideally, he would feature in the playing XI, but if he is unavailable, Kartik Sharma, picked up in the auction, can step in as the wicketkeeper-batter.

The lower order is likely to feature Matt Henry, who was bought at his base price, along with Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad, left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed, and Australian quick Nathan Ellis, giving CSK a balanced bowling attack.

The Impact Player options for CSK include Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, and Sarfaraz Khan. All three provide valuable flexibility and can be brought in whenever the team requires an extra batter or a change in match dynamics.

Strongest Playing XI of Chennai Super Kings-

Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmed, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis.

Impact player: Kartik Sharma.

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