Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made several notable moves at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, investing heavily in a few relatively unknown young
talents while also picking up some under-the-radar overseas players to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Having completed a 25-player roster, CSK will now turn their focus to analysing combinations and finalising a strong playing XI. On that note, let us take a look at CSK’s predicted playing XI for IPL 2026.
CSK predicted playing 11 for IPL 2026 after auction
Top-Order: Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
CSK’s top-order looked well settled even before the auction, with multiple quality options already in place. The team is expected to open with Ayush Mhatre and Sanju Samson. Mhatre featured in seven matches for CSK during IPL 2025, scoring at an impressive strike rate of over 180. He is likely to be partnered by Samson, who was traded from Rajasthan Royals (RR) and has more than 4,000 IPL runs to his name.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to slot in at No. 3. Gaikwad missed IPL 2025 due to injury but has since shown excellent form in domestic cricket across formats. He also recently struck a brilliant century against Australia in ODIs and will look to lead CSK from the front in his return season.
Middle-Order: Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni (WK)
Dewald Brevis is likely to be CSK’s key middle-order enforcer. The young South African impressed in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of around 180, particularly dominating spin bowling with his aggressive and stylish gameplay.
MS Dhoni is expected to continue as the wicketkeeper-batter. While speculation around his future persists, CSK have confirmed his participation. Regardless of what lies ahead, Dhoni remains a vital presence and a huge asset in the middle order, both on and off the field.
All-Rounders: Prashant Veer, Matthew Short
CSK are likely to rely on Prashant Veer and Matthew Short as their primary all-rounders. Veer was bought for INR 14.20 crore, making him one of the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. A left-arm spinner who can also finish games with the bat, Veer is expected to fill the void left by Ravindra Jadeja, who was traded to RR.
Matthew Short adds versatility with his ability to bat at multiple positions and contribute with the ball. Having performed well for Australia and in the Big Bash League, Short can act as a floater and steady or accelerate the innings as required.
Bowlers: Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad
CSK secured Rahul Chahar for INR 5.20 crore at the mini-auction. With 75 IPL wickets across four franchises, Chahar brings experience and control to CSK’s spin department. He is expected to form a potent spin combination with Noor Ahmad, who was CSK’s leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025.
The pace attack is likely to feature Nathan Ellis and Khaleel Ahmed. Ellis has been outstanding in white-ball cricket, especially T20s, with his variations proving effective in all phases of the innings. Khaleel, who had a mixed IPL 2025, remains a key option with his ability to swing momentum through timely breakthroughs.
CSK Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2026:
Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Matthew Short, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni (WK), Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad
Impact Player: Shivam Dube
