IPL 2026: Kris Srikkanth reveals Ravindra Jadeja’s replacement pick in CSK squad

Kris Srikkanth suggests Michael Bracewell is the ideal replacement for Ravindra Jadeja in the CSK squad ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. He praised the New Zealander as an "underestimated" left-hand finisher and off-spin bowler who can fill the all-rounder void left by Jadeja's trade to RR.

13 Dec 2025 13:28 IST

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Former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth has revealed the New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell as a decent replacement option for Ravindra Jadeja in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad for the forthcoming IPL 2026 season.

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Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth has asserted that the Chennai-based franchise has a gun batting line-up with the inclusion of Sanju Samson. However, he added that CSK would require a finisher like Bracewell to complete their batting line-up.

“CSK already has a gun lineup of 4 with Gaikwad, Samson, Aayush Mhatre, and Urvil Patel. So they won’t be too worried about their batting. If I were in the CSK management, I would go for a guy like Michael Bracewell. Everyone is underestimating him. He has scored a brilliant century against India in Hyderabad. He can bowl good off-spin and is a left-hander who can tonk the ball. He is a good finisher,” Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

“Not many are talking about Michael Bracewell. Everyone keeps saying Livingstone, but the truth is, if Bracewell is encouraged, he’ll do well. It is where someone like Dhoni can groom him into a fantastic all-rounder,” he added.

Furthermore, Srikkanth reckoned that CSK should have players like Liam Livingstone and Cooper Connolly in their middle-order. Also, he revealed the reasons why the franchise shouldn’t go for David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi.

“I’ll definitely not buy Ravi Bishnoi. With him, there is no scope. They already have Shreyas Gopal. He’s a good bowler. Also, it’s been ages since David Miller scored. And playing on the Chennai surface for half the matches, it’ll not suit him. Instead of Miller, I’d rather pick Bracewell, who’ll also give a few overs with the ball,” he stated.

“I’ll try to pick both [Liam] Livingstone and Bracewell. You’ll get both within 10 crores. That will solve the spot below Dube. CSK definitely need an all-rounder to fill the Jadeja hole, which semi all-rounders like Livingstone and Bracewell will give. I’ll also surely try to get someone like Cooper Connolly. He’s a youngster and an all-format player, who’s also a left-hander. He’ll surely go to CSK this time as they can buy him for just 2 or 3 crores,” he concluded.

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