CSK Squad IPL 2026: Complete Players List, Auction Results

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) concluded the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025, with a strategic overhaul that emphasized investment in young Indian talent while maintaining a balanced core. Entering with a purse of ₹43.40 crore and nine slots to fill (including four overseas), the five-time champions spent aggressively on uncapped prospects, securing Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for a record ₹14.20 crore each—making them the joint-most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.

CSK acquired nine players in total, completing a 25-member squad with ₹2.40 crore remaining. A pre-auction trade brought in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, signaling a transitional phase under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, with MS Dhoni retained for what may be his final season.

Key Auction Buys

CSK’s standout investments focused on youth and versatility:

• Prashant Veer (Uncapped left-arm spinner/all-rounder, India): ₹14.20 crore
• Kartik Sharma (Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter, India): ₹14.20 crore
• Rahul Chahar (Leg-spinner, India): ₹5.20 crore (approx.)
• Akeal Hosein (Left-arm spinner, West Indies): ₹2 crore
• Matt Henry (Pacer, New Zealand): ₹2 crore
• Matthew Short (All-rounder, Australia): ₹1.50 crore
• Sarfaraz Khan (Batter, India): ₹75 lakh
• Zak Foulkes (All-rounder, New Zealand): ₹75 lakh
• Aman Khan (All-rounder, India): ₹40 lakh

These additions address gaps in spin depth (post-Jadeja), middle-order batting, and pace variety.

Retained Players and Trade

Pre-auction retentions provided a solid foundation:

• Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
• MS Dhoni (Wicketkeeper)
• Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper, traded from RR)
• Shivam Dube
• Dewald Brevis
• Ayush Mhatre
• Urvil Patel (Wicketkeeper)
• Ramakrishna Ghosh
• Noor Ahmad
• Nathan Ellis
• Jamie Overton
• Khaleel Ahmed
• Mukesh Choudhary
• Anshul Kamboj
• Gurjapneet Singh
• Shreyas Gopal

Full CSK Squad for IPL 2026

Batters/Wicketkeepers:

• Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
• MS Dhoni (WK)
• Sanju Samson (WK)
• Dewald Brevis
• Ayush Mhatre
• Urvil Patel (WK)
• Kartik Sharma (WK)
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Ramakrishna Ghosh

All-rounders:

• Shivam Dube
• Prashant Veer
• Matthew Short
• Jamie Overton
• Aman Khan
• Zak Foulkes

Bowlers:

• Noor Ahmad
• Nathan Ellis
• Khaleel Ahmed
• Mukesh Choudhary
• Anshul Kamboj
• Gurjapneet Singh
• Shreyas Gopal
• Akeal Hosein
• Matt Henry
• Rahul Chahar

Total: 25 players (maximum 8 overseas)

Strategic Outlook for IPL 2026

CSK’s squad reflects a shift toward long-term planning, blending Dhoni’s experience with emerging talents like Prashant Veer (potential Jadeja successor) and Kartik Sharma (explosive finisher). The top order featuring Gaikwad, Mhatre, and Samson promises firepower, while a diverse spin attack—Noor Ahmad, Hosein, Chahar, and Shreyas Gopal—suits Chepauk conditions. Pace options led by Ellis, Henry, and Khaleel add depth.