IPL 2026: Why Green might not be ideal for CSK?

With the IPL 2026 mini-auction a few days away, Cameron Green is expected to make the biggest headline on that day. The Australian all-rounder is widely

expected to trigger a bidding war, with multiple franchises hoping to secure his services. Yet, despite Chennai Super Kings entering the auction with the second strongest purse, there is a belief that Green may not be the perfect fit for their current setup.

Notably, the five-time champions are entering IPL 2026 in a transitional phase. Following a bottom finish in IPL 2025, the team is looking for a revamp. The franchise grabbed significant attention by trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to acquire Sanju Samson, while Ravichandran Ashwin retired, and several players, including Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, and Deepak Hooda, were released.

Despite the transition, CSK has stuck to its core. Ruturaj Gaikwad continues as captain, MS Dhoni remains behind the stumps, and with the latest addition of Samson, the batting is set to strengthen. Meanwhile, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, and Shivam Dube are forming a powerful middle-order.

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CSK's cryptic video hints at their auction strategy

Notably, CSK’s now-viral “vegetable market” video hinted at their auction strategy. Kiwi fruit hinted at a New Zealand player, apples pointed towards Jammu & Kashmir prospect Auqib Nabi, while a local mixture packet was interpreted as a nod to Venkatesh Iyer or a domestic all-rounder with Tamil Nadu connections.

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IPL 2026: Why Cameron Green doesn’t fit in CSK’s setup?

What stood out, however, was the absence of any obvious reference to Cameron Green. Given his star power and expected price tag, fans interpreted that the Chennai-based franchise isn't looking at Green in their setup. The main reason behind Green not fitting CSK’s setup is that the franchise’s core needs don't match with his skill set or price tag. CSK already has an explosive top and middle order featuring. Green, who is not a natural finisher, would struggle to find a clear batting role in this line-up, especially in the death overs, where CSK prefer specialist finishers.

From a balance perspective, CSK are looking to fill very specific gaps, a quality spinner and a finisher, rather than add another multi-role player. Spending close to the INR 18 crore overseas cap on Green would restrict their flexibility at the auction without solving their immediate problems.

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Why will Cameron Green not get more than INR 18 crore? 

Notably, under BCCI rules, no overseas player can earn more than INR 18 crore in a mini-auction. Even if the bidding goes beyond that figure, the excess goes into the BCCI’s central pool. Green, already aware of this, has listed himself as a batter rather than an all-rounder to ensure his name comes up early, when purses are fullest, and bidding is most aggressive.

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Ravichandran Ashwin on Green

Furthermore, former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stated CSK’s immediate needs are for a spinner and a finisher. Ashwin pointed out that Green is not a natural finisher and would struggle to find the right batting slot behind Ruturaj, Mhatre, Brevis, Dube, and possibly even Dhoni. Instead, CSK’s analyst team appears to be leaning towards a specialist finisher.

Interestingly, he also suggested that CSK’s role in the Green bidding might be strategic rather than genuine, pushing the price up to stretch rivals like KKR, who desperately need an Andre Russell replacement.