Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are among the most successful sides, as the 10-time Indian Premier League (IPL) finalists have lifted the IPL trophy five times (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023). While CSK narrowly missed the Playoffs in the 2024 season, they had their worst-ever outing last season, finishing in last place in the 10-team competition.
Before the mini-auction for the IPL 2026, CSK retained their major players, as they retained 18 players while trading in one more player. The popular IPL franchise had an INR 43.40 crore purse remaining before the beginning of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Full Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Squad 2026
Chennai Super Kings Retained Players for IPL 2026 with Price
Ruturaj Gaikwad (INR 18 crore) – Batter (Captain)
Shivam Dube (INR 12 crore) – All-rounder
Noor Ahmad (INR 10 crore) – Spinner: Afghanistan
Khaleel Ahmed (INR 4.8 crore) – Pacer
MS Dhoni (INR 4 crore) – Wicketkeeper
Anshul Kamboj (INR 3.4 crore) – All-rounder
Dewald Brevis (INR 2.2 crore) – Batter: South Africa
Gurjapneet Singh (INR 2.2 crore) – Pacer
Nathan Ellis (INR 2 crore) – Pacer: Australia
Jamie Overton (INR 1.5 crore) – All-rounder: England
Ayush Mhatre (INR 75 lakhs) – Batter
Urvil Patel (INR 55 lakhs) – Wicketkeeper
Shreyas Gopal (INR 30 lakhs) – Spinner
Ramakrishna Ghosh (INR 30 lakhs) – All-rounder
Mukesh Choudhary (INR 30 lakhs) – Pacer
Chennai Super Kings Traded in ahead of IPL 2026 Auction with price
Sanju Samson (INR 18 Crore) from Rajasthan Royals – Wicketkeeper
In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, CSK added nine players, including four overseas players.
Chennai Super Kings New Buys at IPL 2026 Auction with Price
Prashant Veer (INR 14.20 crore) – All-rounder
Kartik Sharma (INR 14.20 crore) – Wicketkeeper
Rahul Chahar (INR 5.20 crore) – Spinner
Akeal Hosein (INR 2 crore) – Spinner: West Indies
Matt Henry (INR 2 crore) – Pacer: New Zealand
Matthew Short (INR 1.5 crore) – All-rounder: Australia
Zak Foulkes (INR 75 lakh) – All-rounder: New Zealand
Sarfaraz Khan (INR 75 lakh) – Batter
Aman Khan (INR 40 lakh) – All-rounder
Chennai Super Kings Probable Playing XI (IPL 2026)
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
Captain & anchor opener
Consistent run-scorer and innings builder
2. Sanju Samson (WK)
Aggressive opener/top-order batter
Adds attacking intent in powerplay
3. Dewald Brevis
Dynamic stroke-player
Can accelerate in middle overs
4. Shivam Dube
Power-hitter vs spin
Key middle-order enforcer
5. Sarfaraz Khan
Reliable middle-order batter
Strong against spin
6. Prashant Veer
Big-money all-rounder
Provides balance (bat + medium pace)
7. MS Dhoni
Finisher + leadership presence
Guides team in crunch moments
8. Akeal Hosein
Spin-bowling all-rounder
Powerplay + middle overs control
9. Rahul Chahar
Lead Indian spinner
Wicket-taking option in middle overs
10. Matt Henry
New ball specialist
Key pacer in powerplay
11. Khaleel Ahmed
Left-arm pacer
Swing + death overs option
Impact Player Options
Noor Ahmad → If pitch favors spin (can replace a pacer)
Nathan Ellis → Death overs specialist
Mukesh Choudhary → Extra Indian pacer option
Matthew Short → Batting depth + off-spin
Kartik Sharma → Backup wicketkeeper
Alternate XI (Conditions-Based)
Spin-Friendly Pitch:
Bring in Noor Ahmad
Replace Matt Henry
Triple spin attack (Noor + Chahar + Hosein)
Pace-Friendly Pitch:
Play Nathan Ellis
Use Henry + Ellis + Khaleel
Strong death bowling setup
CSK’s 2026 squad reflects a transition phase with a mix of experienced leaders and young firepower. The team’s strength lies in its batting depth and spin attack, while consistency in pace bowling could be a deciding factor. With Ruturaj Gaikwad leading and match-winners like Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and MS Dhoni in key roles, CSK have the structure to bounce back strongly. If their new signings deliver and combinations click, Chennai Super Kings can realistically push for a playoff return after a disappointing previous season. Chennai Super Kings will be starting the IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on 30th March.
Read More Squad Updates on IPL 2026
