After the IPL 2026 auction, Chennai Super Kings have shown a distinctly different and bold approach. This time, CSK had a large purse and made purchases with the future in mind. The main focus was on uncapped Indian players, with Rs 14.20 crore spent on Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma. These two have become the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. CSK has clearly signaled that the team wants to build a core not just for the present but for the next few years as well. Dhoni remains the central figure of the team, and a young and aggressive squad has been built around him, which, with the right combination, can fight for a playoff spot.
CSK Complete Squad for IPL 2026
MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Chahar, Matt Henry, Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Aman Khan, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Jamie Overton, Zak Foulkes
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Best Playing 11 for IPL 2026 – Batting First
| No | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Opener |
| 2 | Ayush Mhatre | Opener |
| 3 | Sanju Samson | Top order batter |
| 4 | Dewald Brevis | Middle order batter |
| 5 | Shivam Dube | Power hitter |
| 6 | Prashant Veer | All rounder |
| 7 | MS Dhoni | Wicket keeper |
| 8 | Nathan Ellis | Fast bowler |
| 9 | Noor Ahmad | Spinner |
| 10 | Khaleel Ahmed | Fast bowler |
| 11 | Matt Henry/Zak Foulkes | Fast bowler |
Impact Player Options – Batting First
| Player | Situation |
|---|---|
| Gurjapneet Singh | Fast bowling option |
| Rahul Chahar | Slow Chennai pitch |
| Anshul Kamboj | Fast bowling option |
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Best Playing 11 for IPL 2026 – Bowling First
| No | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Opener |
| 2 | Ayush Mhatre | Opener |
| 3 | Sanju Samson | Wicket-Keeper |
| 4 | Dewald Brevis | Middle order batter |
| 5 | Shivam Dube | Power hitter |
| 6 | Prashant Veer | Left-arm Spin All rounder |
| 7 | Anshul Kamboj/Rahul Chahar | Fast bowler/LegSpinner |
| 8 | Nathan Ellis | Fast bowler |
| 9 | Noor Ahmad | Spinner |
| 10 | Khaleel Ahmed | Fast bowler |
| 11 | Matt Henry/Zak Foulkes | Fast bowler |
Impact Player Options – Bowling First
| Player | Situation |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | Extra batting option |
| Kartik Sharma | Hard hitting option |
| Sarfaraz Khan | Extra batting option |
On paper, the CSK team looks well-balanced. The batting order has a strong top order and plenty of power in the middle order. The bowling attack has both pace and spin options available. The only slight risk is with the uncapped players, as a significant investment has been made in them. If Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma can handle the pressure, CSK could have a strong season. MS Dhoni’s experience will still add considerable value both in the dressing room and on the field.
Overall Rating on Paper: 8.5 out of 10
