IPL 2026 Auction: CSK may eye these 3 players to replace Two Key Slots

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) announced their 16 retained players ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, retaining MS Dhoni alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and securing Sanju Samson via trade from Rajasthan Royals.

CSK enter the auction with a substantial purse of ₹43.40 crore and nine slots available, including four overseas spots. This marks a strategic rebuild after a challenging 2025 season, blending youth with experience.​

CSK Retained Players

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Jamie Overton, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Sanju Samson (trade), Shreyas Gopal, Syed Khaleel Ahmed

But as they brought in Sanju Samson, CSK had to let go of Ravindra Jadeja and

Sam Curran, who went to Rajasthan Royals as part of the trade deal.

Jadeja has been a stalwart of the franchise with multiple IPL title wins over the years since joining in 2012. Curran, on the other hand, has been a key figure in their ranks, and their departure means CSK would require proper replacements in the aution, set to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16.

As the auction takes place, here are 3 players who can be perfect for the Chennai Super Kings to fill these two slots-

Andre Russell

Andre Russell was released by KKR ahead of the auction. The hard-hitting West Indies star doesn't need any introduction and CSK would be stoked to have him in their ranks. Although Russell's fitness can be tricky, the Super Kings can pay around Rs 8-9 crore to book his services.

Cameron Green

Cameron Green is set to feature in the IPL 2026 auction. After missing out on the mega auction due to injury, the Australian all-rounder promises to be a flagship player in this edition. His bowling ability, along with the hard-hitting batting prowess, make the Australian a top prospect and CSK may try and bring him to the Chepauk.

Vignesh Puthur

Kerala's left-arm chinaman Vignesh Puthur brings in a new dimension in the auction. Despite promise, injury curtailed Puthur's IPL 2025 journey and Mumbai Indians released the player. If Puthur is available for the season, CSK may eye to bring him as a backup for Noor Ahmad, who has been a revelation for them.