Who is Aman Khan and why did Chennai Super Kings quietly move early for him at the IPL 2026 auction? CSK secured the Puducherry all-rounder for his base price of ₹40 lakh, seeing value not just in his past IPL appearances but in the domestic form and role clarity he has developed over the last two seasons. A middle-order batter who can hit cleanly at the death and bowl medium pace when required, Aman fits a profile CSK have traditionally backed.
At 26, Aman is not a raw prospect anymore. He is a player shaped by different roles, franchises and pressure situations, and IPL 2026 gives him a fresh start with a team known for patience and defined roles. He will be a great addition to the CSK squad for IPL 2026.
Who is Aman Khan? Background and Playing Profile
Aman began his cricket with Mumbai. Born on November 23, 1996, Aman is a right-handed middle-order batter and a right-arm medium pacer. He made his List A debut for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2021 and later featured in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where his finishing ability became a key talking point.
Across age-group cricket, Aman often opened the batting. That changed at the senior level, where team balance pushed him into the middle order. Instead of resisting the shift, he adapted. Over time, that flexibility has become one of his biggest strengths.
Aman Khan profile snapshot
Aman Khan
Career snapshot
Format-wise batting
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-class | 12 | 583 | 27.76 | 87.93 |
| List A | 13 | 284 | 35.50 | 98.26 |
| T20s | 32 | 500 | 20.83 | 145.34 |
IPL record
Role at CSK (IPL 2026)
Aman Khan’s Domestic Numbers: Puducherry Standout in 2025–26
Aman’s most relevant numbers heading into IPL 2026 came with Puducherry in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26. As captain, he batted largely at No. 5 or No. 6, tasked with playing impactful knocks rather than building long innings.
In that season, Aman scored 236 runs in seven innings, averaging 33.71 with a strike rate of 160.54. His highest score was 74, and his boundary count stood out — 17 fours and 17 sixes — reflecting his ability to clear the ropes consistently even while batting in the middle overs and death.
With the ball, he chipped in with six wickets in seven matches, operating as a change option rather than a frontline bowler. Those all-round contributions underline why CSK view him as more than just a batting backup.
Who is Aman Khan in the IPL? KKR and DC Stints Explained
Before joining CSK as their lowest priced buy at the IPL 2026 auction, Aman Khan played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals. His IPL numbers — 115 runs from 12 matches — do not tell the full story. Teams continued to back him because of the intent he showed in difficult situations.
His most notable IPL innings came in May 2023 for Delhi Capitals against Gujarat Titans. With DC reduced to 23/5 inside the powerplay, Aman walked in under extreme pressure. He stitched two 50-plus partnerships with Axar Patel and Ripal Patel and scored 51 off 44 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes.
That innings was less about strike rate and more about control. DC eventually defended 130, and Aman’s calm approach stood out in a match where collapse looked inevitable.
In November 2022, KKR traded Aman to DC in exchange for Shardul Thakur, a move that reflected how franchises viewed him as a role-based all-rounder rather than a marquee name.
The Andre Russell Influence on Aman Khan
Aman has never hidden his admiration for Andre Russell. He has spoken openly about modelling his game around Russell’s ability to bowl medium pace and hit long sixes.
“When I started batting and I became an all-rounder was when I started loving the way Russell used to play,” Aman told Sportskeeda in 2023. “I loved bowling fast and hitting long sixes as well. Around 2017, I started liking him and at that time I used to do what he does in T20 cricket.”
That influence is visible in Aman’s high backlift, straight hitting and preference for attacking length balls. Unlike Russell, Aman is not a frontline bowler. He is more of a part-time option, used when conditions allow or when matchups demand it. But the intent of scoring quickly and making an impact down the order makes his role similar to Russell’s prime role.
Interestingly, CSK’s prime overseas target at the IPL 2026 auction was Andre Russell, before Russell announced his IPL retirement after KKR released him. Aman, in many ways, represents a domestic, lower-risk alternative aligned with that role.
Why CSK Targeted Aman Khan at IPL 2026 Auction
Who is Aman Khan to CSK is best answered by looking at their team-building pattern. CSK value Indian players who can cover multiple roles at an affordable price. Aman ticks several boxes:
- He can bat anywhere between No. 5 and No. 7
- He offers clean hitting at the death
- He can bowl 1–2 overs of medium pace if required
- He has leadership experience from domestic cricket, which CSK like
On Chennai pitches, where timing and game awareness often matter more than raw power, Aman’s adaptable batting style could work in his favour.
CSK are unlikely to rush Aman into the XI. His initial role is expected to be that of a squad all-rounder, ready to step in when matchups or conditions suit. Over a long season, that clarity can be crucial.
Aman has repeatedly spoken about being a floater, a batter willing to play wherever the team needs him. That mindset aligns closely with CSK’s approach, where defined roles often matter more than individual numbers.
