IPL 2026: What can be Chennai Super Kings' Playing XI?
What's the story
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, will enter the 2026 edition with a revamped approach. They invested in youth during the mini-auction, going all out for Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. While the two youngsters bagged record deals, the Yellow Army secured their future by trading in Sanju Samson. We take a look at their likely XI.
Squad
Players retained and bought by CSK
Players retained: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, R Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjanpreet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, and Mukesh Choudhary. Players bought: Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Rahul Chahar, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Matthew Short, Sarfaraz Khan, Zak Foulkes, and Aman Khan.
Batters
Star-studded batting line-up
Unlike the previous season, where CSK lacked power-hitters, they have the power of Samson and Mhatre at the top. Skipper Gaikwad could be their designated anchor as he can play the situation. He will likely be followed by pinch-hitters Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis. Will CSK play both Kartik and Veer, with an in-form Sarfaraz Khan in the squad?
Information
What will be Dhonni's role?
The top and middle order looks set, but there are doubts over MS Dhoni's role in the XI. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently informed that Dhoni will play all matches, but there is uncertainty about his exact role. Can he be an Impact Player?
Others
All-rounders and bowlers
CSK can use Prashant Veer as well in the lower order, as in the bowling department. He is a potent left-arm spinner. While Afghanistan's Noor Ahmad can be another spinner, Khaleel Ahmed will lead the pace attack. West Indies' Akeal Hosein is another left-arm spinner who can be handy with the bat. Nathan Ellis and Matt Henry will certainly be around the first XI.
Information
CSK's Probable XI
Likely XI for first match: Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, and Khaleel Ahmed.