IPL 2026: Predicting Chennai Super Kings (CSK) strongest playing XI

IPL 2025 turned out to be a forgettable season for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they finished at the bottom of the table with just four wins from 14 matches. Going forward into the 2026 season, CSK will be aiming for a strong comeback under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Advertisment

Ahead of the recently concluded mini-auction, CSK made a bold move by trading in wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and England all-rounder Sam Curran. 

At the top of the order, Samson is expected to open the innings alongside young Ayush Mhatre. At number three, skipper Gaikwad will remain a crucial figure. Following him, the middle order at number four and five will rely heavily on power-hitters Shivam Dube and South Africa’s Dewald Brevis, who could play key roles in CSK’s success.

CSK grabbed headlines during the auction by spending INR 14.20 crore each on Prashant Veer, a Jadeja-like all-rounder, and Kartik Sharma, a wicketkeeper-batter. This made them the joint most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. Among the two, Prashant Veer is likely to slot in at number six, given his all-round skills.

Veteran MS Dhoni is surely there to take up the wicketkeeping duties. The pace attack could feature Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis, along with a frontline spinner in Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad. 

One spot in the XI, however, could depend heavily on pitch conditions. On spin-friendly tracks, especially at their home ground Chepauk, West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein could be the ideal choice. He also offers the option of bowling with the new ball despite being a spinner. 

On the other hand, if conditions demand extra pace, New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry could come into the XI.

Advertisment

Henry’s inclusion would provide CSK with the express pace they otherwise lack. Khaleel and Ellis are known more for their variations and control rather than outright speed, and Henry could complement them well in that regard.

Another question surrounds Kartik Sharma. After investing INR 14.20 crore in him, it remains to be seen how many opportunities he will get and how CSK manage to fit him into the playing XI.

Here is the predicted strongest playing XI for CSK for the IPL 2026

Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni (wk), Akeal Hosein/Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmed.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!