Almost three months have passed after the end of IPL 2025 and the franchises have already started making strategies for the next edition in 2026. There are several rumours coming regarding trade of players
ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2026 auction. One of the teams to look out for in the upcoming IPL auction will be Chennai Super Kings. The five-time champions had their worst-ever IPL season this year as they ended at the bottom of the points table for the first time.
CSK have emerged as one of the strongest teams in the IPL over the years. However, the things were completely different in IPL 2025 as they ended up winning just four out of their 14 league matches and were knocked out from the playoffs early in the tournament. One of the main reasons for CSK’s poor performance was their disappointing batting performance throughout the season. The MS Dhoni–led side couldn’t accelerate in the middle-overs and failed to chase a target multiple times despite getting a good start.
Now, CSK will be looking to strengthen their batting line up in the IPL 2026 auction. They have already signed South African batter Dewald Brevis ahead of the auction, who has been in great form in recent times. Apart from that, CSK also have young Ayush Mhatre in their squad who was impressive while coming as a replacement in IPL 2025. Now, CSK will be looking to add a few more players to make their batting looking like a formidable side in IPL 2026.
Let’s have a look at the 3 middle-order batters that CSK might target in IPL 2026 auction
Salman Nizar
One of the cricketers that has caught the attention of the fans in recent times is Salman Nizar. Playing for Calicut Globstars, Salman recently made headlines in the ongoing Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2025 when he smashed 86* runs off just 26 balls in a match against Adani Trivandrum Royals. In his knock, Salman went on to smash 11 sixes of the last 12 balls of the innings. The left-hander has also been in great form in KCL 2025, amassing 296 runs from five matches at an average of 98.67 and a strike rate of 193.46. Interestingly, Salman Nizar also went for a trial for CSK ahead of IPL 2025 but his performance was overlooked by the management. Now, after a tough IPL season, CSK will be looking to make a big bid for the Kerala batter if he comes in the IPL 2026 auction.
Adarsh Singh
Another talented player coming out from the local cricket leagues is Adarsh Singh. Playing for Kanpur Superstars in the ongoing UP T20 League 2025, Adarsh is currently the third-highest run-getter of the tournament, amassing 352 runs in 10 matches at an average of 50.29 and a strike rate of 156.44. He has registered two hundreds while playing at number three and has been playing big knocks making major contributions in his team’s victories. CSK will be looking to make a bid on him if he appears in the IPL 2026 auction and will be willing to spend a good amount on him.
Glenn Maxwell
If CSK looks to add an overseas player in their squad for IPL 2026, it is most likely to be Glenn Maxwell. The Australian all-rounder had a forgettable outing on his return in Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 and the runners-up of the last season are most likely to release him ahead of the auction. Apart from that, CSK have also made a bid for Maxwell when he appeared in the IPL auction previously and were going neck-to-neck with PBKS in the mega auction last year to add him in the squad. Now, if PBKS releases Maxwell ahead of IPL 2026 auction, CSK are likely to make a first bid for him. Maxwell can turn out to be a useful addition in the CSK squad, who can play as a fiery middle-order batsman and also a handy spin bowler.
