CSK Squad 2026, Chennai Super Kings Players List, IPL 2026 Auction, MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season marks an amazing turning point for the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Following a bold team reshuffle at the IPL 2026 Auction, the Super Kings have a mix of experienced team members with massive bidding and adding young Indian talent, signalling a clear road map for the future.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the complete CSK Squad 2026, the major auction moves, and a strategic analysis of the team’s new squad.
The New Foundation: Key Auction Buys & Major Trades CSK went into the 2026 IPL Players auction with a substantial addition to fill the blank space of some of their biggest stars who left. The franchise made their intentions clear by aggressively targeting high-potential players and securing a crucial Indian star via a highest blockbuster trade.
Blockbuster Signings at the IPL 2026 Auction, The biggest headlines for CSK at the auction were the massive bids for two young Indian talents, showing a strategic shift towards building a team for the next decade.
Player Name: Prashant Veer, Role: Indian All-rounder (L-A Spin), Winning Bid (INR): Rupees 14.20,
Main Significance: A long-term prospect to potentially filling an important spinner all rounder role.
Player Name: Kartik Sharma, Role: Indian Wicket keeper-Batter, Winning Bid (INR): Rupees 14.20 Crore
Main Significance: A powerful young finisher with better keeping skills, secured after a massive bidding war.
Player Name: Akeal Hosein, Role: Overseas All-rounder (L-A Spin) Winning Bid (INR): ₹2.00 Crore
Main Significance: A dependable left-arm orthodox spinner and lower-order batter, adding depth.
Player Name: Rahul Chahar, Role: Indian Bowler (Leg Spin), Winning Bid (INR): ₹5.20 Crore
Main Significance: An experienced, leading Indian leg-spinner, boosting the spin department.
Player Name: Sarfaraz Khan, Role: Indian Batter, Winning Bid (INR): ₹75 Lakh
Main Significance: A proven domestic run-scorer, adding stability and depth to the Indian batting unit.
Major Player additions: Sanju Samson, Arrives in a massive pre-auction biding, CSK acquired star Indian wicket keeper-batter Sanju Samson in exchange for long-time players Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. This move is arguably the most important reset in the franchise’s history, securing a premium Indian batter who can also take on a leading role in team during upcoming season.
The Complete CSK Squad 2026 Players List,
The final squad of the Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2026 season is a balanced mix of proven match-winning players, experienced campaigners, and high-value youth players.
| Category | Player Name | Nationality | Role |
| Batters | Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain) | India | Top Order Batter |
| Dewald Brevis | South Africa | Middle Order Batter | |
| Ayush Mhatre | India | Batter | |
| Sarfaraz Khan | India | Batter | |
| Wicketkeepers | MS Dhoni | India | Wicket keeper-Batter |
| Sanju Samson | India | Wicket keeper-Batter | |
| Kartik Sharma | India | Wicket keeper-Batter | |
| Urvil Patel | India | Wicket keeper-Batter | |
| All-rounders | Shivam Dube | India | Batting All-rounder |
| Prashant Veer | India | Spin All-rounder | |
| Jamie Overton | England (UK) | Pace All-rounder | |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | India | All-rounder | |
| Matthew Short | Australia | All-rounder | |
| Aman Khan | India | All-rounder | |
| Bowlers | Noor Ahmad | Afghanistan | Left-arm Wrist Spin |
| Nathan Ellis | Australia | Pace Bowler | |
| Khaleel Ahmed | India | Left-arm Pacer | |
| Mukesh Choudhary | India | Left-arm Pacer | |
| Anshul Kamboj | India | Pace Bowler | |
| Shreyas Gopal | India | Leg Spin | |
| Gurjapneet Singh | India | Pace Bowler | |
| Akeal Hosein | Trinidad | Left-arm Orthodox Spin | |
| Rahul Chahar | India | Leg Spin |
Team Analysis: The Strategy Behind the Super Kings Reshuffle. The CSK Squad 2026 reflects a change, balancing their traditional reliable players and much needed players addition for the upcoming IPL.
- The Dhoni-Gaikwad-Samson Trinity, While MS Dhoni continues his legendary association, Ruturaj Gaikwad has cemented his role as the captain. The arrival of Sanju Samson provides a world-class Indian anchor who can take the gloves and be a long-term vice-captaincy candidate, easing the inevitable transition process.
- Investing in Indian All-round Depth The trades of Jadeja and Sam Curran created a gaping hole. CSK addressed this by breaking the bank for the exciting all Around duo of Prashant Veer (left-arm spin and batting) and Kartik Sharma (power-hitting finisher and keeper). This strategy hedges CSK’s future on youth potential, giving these players time to develop under the watchful eyes of the franchise’s leadership.
- New Spin Attack for Chepauk with the departures of some key spinners, the acquisitions of Akeal Hosein and leading Indian wrist-spinner Rahul Chahar are vital. They complement the retained Afghan mystery spinner Noor Ahmad and veteran leg-spinner, Shreyas Gopal, creating a diverse and formidable spin bowling unit perfectly suited for the spinning tracks of Chepauk.
- Foreign Pace Reliability, The retention of Australia’s accurate death bowler Nathan Ellis provides a solid overseas pace option. Coupled with England’s high-impact fast-medium all-rounder Jamie Overton, and the Indian left-arm pace duo of Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Choudhary, the pace attack is built on variety and proven T20 skills.
The CSK Squad 2026 is not just a team, it’s a statement. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the Chennai Super Kings, blending the proven wisdom of their icons with the explosive potential of a new, high value score generation. The stage is set for the upcoming thrilling IPL season as they look to reclaim their dominance with this revamped Super Squad.
