IPL 2026: 3 players CSK should target in auction

CSK have a total of 9 slots available.

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) mini-auction is just around the corner and is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

A total of 350 players have been shortlisted for the auction, including 240 Indian players and 110 overseas players. Teams are expected to engage in bidding wars to fill the remaining 77 slots.

Chennai Super Kings will enter the auction with a purse of 43.4 crores, the second-highest budget among all teams. Ahead of the auction, they have released one of their key bowlers, Matheesha Pathirana, creating a significant void in their bowling attack.

Chennai will look to address this deficiency and also include a few more players in the team according to their specific needs. On that note, let’s take a look at three players CSK should target in the mini-auction.

3. Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi has been in good form in the ongoing T20 series between India and South Africa. He represented RCB in the previous season and, despite limited opportunities, delivered a match-winning spell against CSK.

He was later released by RCB ahead of this auction. Chennai would like to bring him into their squad, considering his recent form. Ngidi has previously been part of CSK and understands the team’s dynamics, which means he would not need much time to settle into the environment.

CSK should target him in the auction as they require an overseas pacer with variations who can deliver match-winning spells, especially in the death overs.

2. Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi has been released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and will be part of the mini-auction. Following Ravi Ashwin’s retirement and Ravindra Jadeja’s trade to Rajasthan Royals, CSK would be keen to pair Bishnoi with their star spinner Noor Ahmed on the spin-friendly tracks of Chepauk.

Bishnoi is the best leg-spinner available in the auction, and with a sizable purse at their disposal, CSK would be willing to bring him into the squad to strengthen their spin-bowling options.

1. Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the auction, mainly due to his inconsistent form in the last IPL season. However, he still played a match-winning cameo in the final and also took a crucial catch in the same game.

Livingstone provides stability in the middle order and offers a useful spin-bowling option during the middle overs. CSK would be eager to bring him into their squad, as they need a reliable middle-order batter to partner with Dewald Brevis.

With Livingstone also showing good form in other leagues, CSK could be willing to engage in a bidding war to secure his services.

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