CSK target players for 2026 will be one of the most discussed topics ahead of the mini auction. After finishing bottom in IPL 2025, the franchise has begun rebuilding and now has a substantial ₹43.4 crore purse available. The focus will be on impactful power-hitters, wicket-taking bowling options, and a reliable spin all-rounder. Here we look into the Chennai Super Kings targets, identifies role gaps, and explains who will CSK buy at the auction.
How CSK Squad 2026 Looks Right Now
Likely CSK XI (based on current retention and squad structure)
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruturaj Gaikwad (c) | RH Opener |
| 2 | Ayush Mhatre | RH Opener |
| 3 | Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 4 | Shivam Dube | LH Spin-hitting Middle Order |
| 5 | Dewald Brevis | RH Aggressive Middle Order |
| 6 | Overseas Finisher (Auction Target) | Lower Middle Order |
| 7 | MS Dhoni | Leader and Finisher |
| 8 | Spin All-rounder (Auction Target) | Jadeja Replacement |
| 9 | Noor Ahmad | Wrist Spinner |
| 10 | Nathan Ellis | Overseas Pace |
| 11 | Khaleel Ahmed | India Pacer |
What they lack as per CSK auction strategy
- No proven finishing all-rounder after Jadeja and Curran exits
- Only one overseas pacer with death-overs pedigree
- No backup for powerplay batting or left-hand variety in middle overs
It shapes the direction for CSK targets 2026 very clearly.
CSK Auction Strategy 2026: What They Need
- A superstar lower-middle-order batter who can bowl
- One more overseas pacer with genuine pace
- A left-arm spin all-rounder with batting value
- An overseas top-order cover option
These are the core categories for CSK target players 2026.
Top CSK Target Players 2026
Category A: High-Impact Overseas All-Rounders
| Player | Why He Fits CSK |
|---|---|
| Cameron Green | Middle-order upgrade, seam bowling, long-term value |
| Jason Holder | Six-hitting and new ball pace bowling |
| Michael Bracewell | Off-spin + batting versatility at Chepauk |
These names lead the Chennai Super Kings targets list due to their dual-skill impact.
Category B: Spin All-Rounders (Ravindra Jadeja Replacement)
| Player | Why He Fits |
|---|---|
| Akeal Hosein | Reliable left-arm spin, global Super Kings network familiarity |
| Prashant Veer | Domestic form with both bat and ball |
| R Sanjay Yadav | Big-hit potential and local depth option |
CSK auction strategy must secure one from this category to rebalance the XI.
Category C: Overseas Power Finishers
| Player | What He Offers |
|---|---|
| David Miller | Left-hand presence to break right-hand stacking |
| Liam Livingstone | Middle-order acceleration plus matchup-based spin bowling |
Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly recommended David Miller as a priority CSK signing.
Category D: Express Pacers
| Player | Strength |
|---|---|
| Anrich Nortje | 150+kph pace, can lead attack |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Specialist at the death |
Pathirana could return at a lower cost after a tactical release, but they might face strong opposition from KKR, who obviously have a higher purse.
CSK Remaining Purse Plan: Ideal Spend Structure
| Requirement | Budget Range | Top Options |
|---|---|---|
| Primary overseas all-rounder | ₹15–19 Cr | Green / Russell / Maxwell |
| Finisher / Specialist batter | ₹8–12 Cr | Miller / Livingstone |
| Spin all-rounder | ₹4–8 Cr | Hosein / Mulani |
| Express pacer/ Death pacer | ₹6–10 Cr | Nortje / Pathirana |
| Backup cover picks | ₹3–5 Cr | Indian top-order and pace |
This structure fulfils all CSK targets 2026 with a balanced spend.
ALSO READ: Why no Rinku Singh in India T20I Squad For IND vs SA Series
Who Will CSK Buy? Most Realistic Outcomes At IPL 2026 Auction
Based on team strategy, purse strength, and market dynamics
- Akeal Hosein
- David Miller
- Prashant Veer
- One of Michael Bracewell or Jason Holder
These four plug every major gap from IPL 2025.
CSK Auction Strategy Clear With Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell Absent
CSK target players 2026 reflect a reboot focused on power-hitting, fresh spin value, and a sharper pace attack, but it might not cost a bomb now that Glenn Maxwell has withdrawn and Andre Russell has retired from IPL. If Chennai Super Kings execute this well-defined CSK auction strategy, they should be strong contenders again. This time, the rebuild is intentional. The squad template is clear. And the purse allows them to dominate the auction table.
