The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), known for their ‘Dad’s Army’ philosophy of strategic continuity and veteran expertise, find themselves in an unprecedented phase of squad overhaul following a disappointing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season where they finished at the bottom.
Chennai Super Kings: The quest for the sixth title at the IPL 2026 mini-auction
The franchise has since engaged in blockbuster trades, parting ways with foundational players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, and strategically releasing high-cost overseas talents like Matheesha Pathirana. This has left CSK with a substantial war chest of INR 43.40 crore and the second-largest purse at the auction table.
Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the focus is now squarely on leveraging this financial power to acquire high-impact, multi-utility players who fit the crucial vacuum in their middle-order power, death-bowling pace and Indian spin department. The IPL 2026 mini-auction is not just about filling slots; it is about finding the new generation of reliable match-winners who can restore the ‘Whistle Podu’ dominance and deliver a historic sixth title.
CSK’s top 5 target players in IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Cameron Green (Overseas Pace-Bowling All-Rounder)
Cameron Green is anticipated to be CSK’s absolute top priority and the central focus of their auction strategy. The Australian all-rounder perfectly fills the void left by key departures, offering the rare and potent combination of explosive, right-hand batting (with an IPL strike rate over 153) and genuine fast-medium pace bowling. Green is a long-term investment who can contribute across multiple phases: batting in the middle-order, providing crucial four overs of pace, and being an exceptional fielder. CSK is prepared to engage in a fierce bidding war to secure this marquee multi-utility talent, knowing his acquisition instantly transforms their squad balance.
2. Liam Livingstone (Overseas Batting All-Rounder)
With the need for firepower in the middle order to close out innings, Liam Livingstone emerges as an ideal target. The England all-rounder, released by RCB, is renowned for his explosive power-hitting (IPL strike rate over 158) that can single-handedly change the course of a match, a finishing ability that CSK desperately lacked in 2025. Beyond his batting prowess, Livingstone offers useful leg-spin and off-spin variations, providing Captain Gaikwad with flexible, low-risk bowling options, especially on the turning Chepauk pitch. His high-impact, dual-skill set makes him a perfect fit for CSK’s strategic preference for versatile overseas players.
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3. Venkatesh Iyer (Indian Batting All-Rounder)
Venkatesh Iyer, released by KKR, is the primary Indian all-rounder target to replace the high-utility left-handed dimension lost in the recent trades. Iyer’s ability to aggressively open the batting (which he has done 22 times in the IPL) or solidify the middle order provides much-needed left-right balance. Although his bowling contributions have decreased, the threat of his medium pace and his high ceiling as a match-winner are significant. CSK requires a strong Indian core, and acquiring Iyer, even with his high ₹2 crore base price, would instantly inject a dynamic, proven domestic talent into the top half of their batting line-up.
4. Ravi Bishnoi (Indian Leg-Spinner)
Following the trade of Ravindra Jadeja and the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin, securing a high-quality, wicket-taking Indian spinner is non-negotiable for CSK’s home games at Chepauk. Ravi Bishnoi, released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), fits this requirement perfectly. Despite a slightly expensive 2025 season, his overall track record includes 72 wickets in 77 matches and a highly aggressive, skiddy style of leg-spin that is ideal for exploiting the turning track. CSK will look at his potential to partner with Noor Ahmad and provide the necessary middle-overs control and strike capability that is essential to their bowling template.
5. Prithvi Shaw (Indian Batter)
CSK expected to target Prithvi Shaw to inject a flavour of domestic explosiveness and aggression at the top of the order. Released by Delhi Capitals (DC), Shaw is a high-risk, high-reward opening batter known for his blistering starts in the Powerplay. His acquisition allows Gaikwad to play his natural anchor role, freeing up Shaw to dominate the first six overs. Securing Shaw, potentially at a reduced price point given his recent inconsistency, would provide a dynamic Indian opener who can compensate for the high-impact foreign players they may have to leave out, thus strengthening the team’s domestic batting core.
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