Chennai Super Kings are gearing up for the 2026 IPL season with a mix of legacy and uncertainty. After finishing 10th in 2025 for the first time and trading away key players, CSK enters the mini-auction with INR 43.40 cr and questions about their identity. The core of the team remains Dhoni, Ruturaj, and Fleming, with the addition of Sanju Samson as a premium batter-keeper. The departure of Jadeja and Curran in the Samson trade has left the team relying on the auction for bowling and lower-order strength.
CSK have retained 16 players for the upcoming season, with four overseas slots still open. The team’s potential XI includes players like Samson, Gaikwad, and Dube, but gaps remain to be filled in the lower order, with a power hitter and a utility tweaker needed. Additionally, CSK will be looking for a leader in the pace attack to elevate their bowling unit.
As the team prepares for the auction on December 16, the remaining 30% of their squad will determine whether their recent struggles were just a blip or the start of a downward trend. The success of CSK in IPL 2026 will hinge on the decisions made before the first ball is bowled.
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