The CSK IPL 2026 squad reflects one of the boldest strategic shifts in Chennai Super Kings’ recent history. After trading out Ravindra Jadeja and bringing in Sanju Samson in a blockbuster move, CSK doubled down on youth at the IPL 2026 auction, spending INR 14.20 crore each on uncapped players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, two of the top buys.
The CSK IPL 2026 team list now combines established Indian core players with high-risk, high-upside domestic talent, making CSK one of the most intriguing squads ahead of the new season. CSK are one of the strongest among all IPL 2026 squads.
Full CSK IPL 2026 Players List
Here is the complete CSK IPL 2026 players list after the auction:
CSK Indian Players:
- MS Dhoni
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Sanju Samson
- Urvil Patel
- Ayush Mhatre
- Shivam Dube
- Anshul Kamboj
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Shreyas Gopal
- Gurjapneet Singh
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Ramakrishna Ghosh
- Prashant Veer
- Kartik Sharma
- Rahul Chahar
- Aman Khan
- Sarfaraz Khan
CSK Overseas Players:
- Dewald Brevis ✈️
- Nathan Ellis ✈️
- Noor Ahmad ✈️
- Jamie Overton ✈️
- Akeal Hosein ✈️
- Matt Henry ✈️
- Matthew Short ✈️
- Zak Foulkes ✈️
The CSK squad after auction 2026 features strong spin options, multiple wicketkeepers, and several all-rounders, but also leaves key tactical questions.
CSK Retained Players IPL 2026
The retention phase shaped the base of the CSK IPL 2026 squad before the auction fireworks. CSK retained 16 players, including core Indian names and four overseas players.
Key retained players include:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – INR 18 crore
- Sanju Samson – INR 18 crore (acquired via trade)
- Shivam Dube – INR 12 crore
- Noor Ahmad – INR 10 crore
- MS Dhoni – INR 4 crore
The Jadeja exit and Samson arrival significantly altered team balance. Jadeja offered left-arm spin, finishing, and fielding control. Samson adds top-order aggression and wicketkeeping flexibility. That trade alone changed the spine of the Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 squad.
CSK Bought Players at IPL 2026 Auction
CSK entered the auction with INR 43.4 crore and spent INR 28.4 crore on just two uncapped players:
- Prashant Veer – INR 14.20 crore
- Kartik Sharma – INR 14.20 crore
Both became joint most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.
Prashant Veer (Uttar Pradesh all-rounder) has 112 runs at a strike rate of 167.16 and 12 wickets in 12 T20s. He is expected to fill the Jadeja-type multi-phase role. Know all about Prashant Veer here.
Kartik Sharma, 19, has 133 runs in six T20 matches at a strike rate of 160.24. He is a middle-order wicketkeeper-batter who provides flexibility but remains untested at IPL level. Aman Khan is another good buy by CSK at the IPL 2026 auction.
Players bought by CSK in IPL 2026 auction
| Player | Price (INR) |
| Akeal Hosein | 2 crore |
| Prashant Veer | 14.20 crore |
| Kartik Sharma | 14.20 crore |
| Matthew Short | 1.50 crore |
| Aman Khan | 40 Lakhs |
| Sarfaraz Khan | 75 Lakhs |
| Matt Henry | 2 crore |
| Rahul Chahar | 5.20 crore |
| Zak Foulkes | 75 Lakhs |
The auction strategy clearly prioritised youth over established overseas finishers.
CSK Strongest Playing XI IPL 2026
Based on balance and role clarity, here is a probable CSK strongest playing XI IPL 2026:
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Ayush Mhatre
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
- Shivam Dube
- Dewald Brevis ✈️
- Prashant Veer
- MS Dhoni
- Jamie Overton ✈️
- Noor Ahmad ✈️
- Nathan Ellis ✈️
- Khaleel Ahmed
Key tactical notes:
- Samson and Mhatre form a dynamic, aggressive opening pair.
- Gaikwad is perfect for No.3
- Brevis and Dube provide middle-order acceleration.
- Veer must deliver four overs to justify selection.
- Ellis is the only proven death overs specialist.
If CSK want to play both Veer and Kartik Sharma, they must compromise either overseas balance or bowling depth.
CSK Squad Analysis IPL 2026
The CSK squad analysis IPL 2026 reveals a side in transition — no longer purely experience-driven, but not fully youth-dominant either.
Strengths of CSK IPL 2026 Squad
1. Spin Depth
Noor Ahmad, Rahul Chahar, and Akeal Hosein provide varied spin options. Chepauk conditions could amplify this advantage.
2. Multiple Wicketkeeping Options
Dhoni, Samson, Urvil Patel, and Kartik Sharma give flexibility in selection.
3. All-Round Options
Prashant Veer, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, and Matthew Short provide overs across phases. This improves adaptability during matchups.
4. Aggressive Middle Order Potential
Brevis and Veer bring attacking intent, reducing over-reliance on anchors. Kartik can be a handy impact option.
Weaknesses of CSK IPL 2026 Squad
1. Lack of Proven Overseas Finisher
Did CSK make an error at IPL 2026 auction? CSK did not pursue players like Cameron Green or Liam Livingstone aggressively. Dewald Brevis is dynamic but not yet a proven IPL finisher.
2. Death Bowling Concerns
Nathan Ellis aside, CSK lack a consistent death overs operator. Khaleel Ahmed and Overton have mixed death statistics.
3. Youth Inexperience
Spending INR 28.4 crore on two uncapped players means volatility. If Veer or Sharma struggle early, squad balance becomes fragile.
4. Jadeja Exit Impact
Replacing Jadeja’s experience, fielding, and finishing is not straightforward. Veer may fill the role statistically, but leadership impact remains uncertain.
Can CSK Win IPL 2026 With This Squad?
The CSK IPL 2026 squad has upside but also structural risk. If Prashant Veer becomes a reliable all-phase contributor and Brevis evolves into a consistent middle-order option, CSK could build a balanced XI around Samson and Gaikwad.
However, finishing stability and death bowling execution will likely determine whether Chennai Super Kings are genuine title contenders or a side in transition.
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