CSK Full Squad, IPL 2026: The Chennai Super Kings were extremely clear about the players they wanted at the auction today at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. With a well-defined plan in place, CSK focused heavily on uncapped Indian players and was willing to spend big to get their targets.
That intent was clear when they went all out for Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. CSK shelled out Rs 14.20 crore each for the two youngsters, making them the joint most expensive uncapped players in the history of the Indian Premier League.
Smart Picks and Value Buys
Along with their headline purchases, CSK made several smart additions to round out their squad. They picked up West Indies all-rounder Akeal Hosein for Rs 2 crore and Australia’s Matt Short at his base price of Rs 1.5 crore. Aman Khan also joined the squad for Rs 40 lakh.
During the accelerated round, CSK managed to sign Sarfaraz Khan, who has been in the spotlight with strong performances for Mumbai in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. To strengthen their bowling attack, the franchise also secured New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry at his base price of Rs 2 crore.
Big Trades and Tough Decisions
Ahead of the auction, CSK made the most high-profile trade of the season by bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for Rs 18 crore. However, the franchise also made some bold calls.
Legendary all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and overseas star Sam Curran were traded to the Rajasthan Royals. CSK also released Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, a move that freed up Rs 13 crore from their purse.
Despite these changes, leadership remains stable, with Ruturaj Gaikwad continuing as captain and MS Dhoni still playing a key role within the setup.
How Does CSK’s Squad Look for IPL 2026?
As far as CSK’s final squad for IPL 2026 is concerned, things look largely settled. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, and Sanju Samson are expected to form the top order, while Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube look set to handle the middle-order responsibilities.
Their big-money uncapped picks, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, are also expected to play important roles in the playing XI. On the bowling front, CSK appear well covered with Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, and Anshul Kamboj already retained, giving the team a balanced attack.
Full List of Players Bought at the Auction
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Akeal Hosein (Rs 2 crore)
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Prashant Veer (Rs 14.20 crore)
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Kartik Sharma (Rs 14.20 crore)
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Matthew Short (Rs 1.5 crore)
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Aman Khan (Rs 40 lakh)
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Sarfaraz Khan (Rs 75 lakh)
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Matt Henry (Rs 2 crore)
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Rahul Chahar (Rs 5.2 crore)
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Zak Foulkes (Rs 75 lakh)
Current Squad and Retained Players
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Sanju Samson (Traded).
Players Released by CSK
Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaikh Rasheed, Andre Siddarth, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vansh Bedi, Ravindra Jadeja (Trade), Sam Curran (Trade).
With a strong mix of youth, experience, and bold decision-making, CSK have once again shown why they remain one of the smartest and most confident franchises heading into a new IPL season.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete List Of Sold And Unsold Players
