Chennai Super Kings

CSK star records impressive century during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:58:59 GMT

One of the struggles for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the last season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was their batting power. They lacked the big shots at the start of the event, and things went from bad to worse once their regular captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was ruled out of the competition with injury. That was when CSK got a great replacement at the top order.

Ayush Mhatre, the top order batter from Mumbai, joined the franchise and impressed their captain, MS Dhoni, with a fabulous campaign with the help of 240 runs in seven innings at an average of nearly 35 and a strike rate of 188.97 with the help of one half-century at the best score of 94 runs.

In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26 for the Mumbai side against Vidarbha at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Vihari Bajpayee Stadium in Lucknow, Mhatre smashed a fine knock of 110 runs unbeaten in just 53 balls with the help of eight boundaries and six sixes at a strike rate of 207.54.

**Ayush Mhatre impresses with 110* during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26**

Batting first at the ground, Vidarbha was able to record a massive score of 192/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Their openers provided them with a strong platform of a 115-run stand. Aman Mokhande drilled a fine knock of 61 runs in 30 balls with the help of seven boundaries and two sixes at a strike rate of 203.33, while Atharva Taide nailed 64 runs in 36 balls at a strike rate of 177.77.

However, Vidarbha couldn’t do well in the middle order of the side. From 115/0, they lost their plot and soon were restricted to 179/7 in a space of nine overs. For the Mumbai side, Shivam Dube and Sairaj Patil clubbed three wickets each in the first innings.

In the chase, apart from Mhatre’s unbeaten century, Suryakumar Yadav dashed 35 runs in 30 runs while Dube smashed 39 runs in 19 balls at a strike rate of 205.26 with the help of three boundaries and three sixes to complete the chase by seven wickets.

Former CSK star marries Tamil Nadu bigg boss fame actress: Know everything about the wedding

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 22:24:13 GMT

Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4 fame Samyuktha Shan has officially tied the knot with former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer and well-known commentator Aniruddha Srikkanth, son of legendary Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth. The couple got married on November 27, 2025, in an intimate South Indian ceremony attended by close family members and a few friends. Soon after the rituals were completed, they shared their wedding photographs on Instagram in a joint post, captioned simply with the date and a ring and heart emoji, letting the pictures take centre stage.

The wedding visuals immediately went viral and drew admiration for their simplicity. Samyuktha looked radiant in a golden saree paired with traditional jewellery, minimal makeup, and a classic South Indian bridal aesthetic. Aniruddha matched her look with a gold-toned shirt and veshti, completing a graceful and culturally rooted ensemble. The couple appeared joyful and relaxed, and the intimate setting emphasised warmth, tradition, and togetherness rather than grandeur.

ALSO SEE: Uncapped Indian pacer of PBKS shines in SMAT 2025 by claiming 3 wickets ahead of IPL 2026

From Coimbatore to cricketing circles, the couple’s journey meets at a happy milestone

Samyuktha, originally from Coimbatore, began her career in modelling before stepping into the film and television industry. She was crowned Miss Chennai in 2007 and eventually built a strong presence as an influencer, model, and actor. Her participation in Bigg Boss Tamil 4 brought her nationwide recognition, after which she appeared in films such as Varisu, Tughlaq Durbar, Madras Mafia Company, and My Dear Bhootham. This is her second marriage; she was previously married to businessman Karthik Shankar, with whom she shares a son named Rayan.

Actress #Samyuktha got married to #AniruddhaSrikanth today morning. Best wishes to the couple ♥️#Tamil #Tamilactress pic.twitter.com/HD4d2wu540
— Cine buff Sakthi 🎥 (@vimal2874293336) November 27, 2025

Aniruddha Srikkanth, 38, is a familiar face to cricket followers. A former opening batter for Tamil Nadu, he played for CSK in the early years of the Indian Premier League between 2008 and 2013. After his playing days, he transitioned into cricket commentary and has since become a respected voice in the sport. This is also his second marriage; he was earlier married to model and actor Arthi Venkatesh.

As soon as the couple posted their wedding pictures, the internet was flooded with congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues, and celebrities. Their traditional and heartfelt ceremony has quickly become one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings of the season.

CSK’s big donation to Tirumala becomes a major talking point ahead of IPL 2026

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 22:09:07 GMT

The Chennai Super Kings’ latest philanthropic gesture has become one of the most widely discussed stories ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise, owned by India Cements, has reportedly donated ₹3.2 crore to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for the construction of four new ghee storage tanks at the Tirumala temple.

Ghee is a crucial ingredient in the preparation of the world-famous Tirumala laddus, and the storage requirement has been a growing concern for temple authorities. According to officials, the need for additional tanks was immediate, prompting CSK’s swift and generous response. Although the contribution was initially kept low-key, news broke on social media and quickly went viral, sparking positive reactions from fans across the country.

CSK’s long-standing tradition of giving back to Tirumala

This is not the first time CSK has supported temple infrastructure. In 2021, the franchise donated ₹12 crore for the development of the Boondi Potu, the laddu manufacturing centre. Over the years, CSK’s management has made similar contributions roughly every two years, strengthening its reputation for meaningful community and religious philanthropy beyond the cricket field.

Notably, team owners and players have often visited the Tirumala temple after major victories, including the IPL 2023 triumph. However, large-scale donations such as these have added another dimension to the franchise’s identity, earning admiration even from non-CSK supporters.

ALSO SEE: New Team for WPL 2027? Delhi Capitals owner speaks about rumour at WPL 2026 auction

Strong buzz ahead of IPL 2026

Alongside their charitable work, CSK’s cricketing decisions have also made headlines. After a disappointing IPL 2025 season, the franchise has undergone a significant overhaul. The trade window saw Sanju Samson join CSK from Rajasthan Royals, while star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and English all-rounder Sam Curran moved the other way. The team has also added exciting talents like Baby ABD Brevis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Matre, and Urjil Patel, forming a refreshed and dynamic core.

With ₹43.40 crore available for the upcoming mini-auction, CSK is expected to target high-quality all-rounders to balance the squad. As discussions around both their donations and their revamped lineup continue to trend, the franchise enters IPL 2026 under renewed spotlight, on and off the field.

Watch: G Ajitesh who scored 86 against Rinku SIngh's Uttar Pradesh reportedly in CSK trial ahead of IPL 2026

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:15:38 GMT

Another exciting talent reportedly attended the trial program arranged by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). It is reported that Guruswamy Ajitesh attended one of CSK's trial sessions.

Who is Guruswamy Ajitesh?

Guruswamy Ajitesh is a well-known middle-order batter from Tamil Nadu, who can be utilise as a wicketkeeper as well. In the 2025 TNPL season (Tamil Nadu Premier League), the batter played some remarkable knocks with the Nellai Royal Kings. In a recent Ranji Trophy 2025 match between Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, Ajitesh played an important 86-run innings.

The Tamil Nadu vs. Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy 2025 match made headlines because of Rinku Singh. The star Indian batter scored a match-saving 176-run innings for Uttar Pradesh, he named the Man of the Match as well for the blazing innings.

G. Ajitesh is reportedly in CSK trials:

In this match, Ajitesh got 86 off 153 with nine boundaries and one over-boundary in the first innings to help his team to register 455 runs, batting first. Because of Rinku's batting, the match ended in a draw and the 86-run knock by Ajitesh went under the shadow.

TN star WK batter G Ajitesh at CSK trials. He has been in the scheme of things for last few years.pic.twitter.com/BUiSjchzem
— Hustler (@HustlerCSK) November 22, 2025

During the TNPL 2025 campaign, the 23-year-old emerging cricketer played an unbeaten 43-run innings against the Dindigul Dragons for a winning cause. Ajitesh was the best performer of the game. Against Tiruppur Tamizhans, he was 28 off 29 as an opener.

Watch: “Felt like champion”- Sanju Samson breaks silence after blockbuster IPL 2026 trade to CSK

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:07:25 GMT

Sanju Samson has finally slipped out into the Chennai Super Kings franchise ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The India wicket-keeper batter came into the five-time champions’ side having been traded for a price of INR 18 crore as the Super Kings have let go of their experienced campaigner, Ravindra Jadeja, and all-rounder Sam Curran.

In a video posted by the Chennai Super Kings on social media platforms, Sanju Samson opened up on the long-awaited moment. He admitted that the move had been a powerful emotional story as he wore the number 11 yellow jersey for the very first time.

“I have been waiting for this day, and I am very fortunate that I am going to wear the yellow jersey. I always am in my dark colours like black, blue, brown, but not yellow. Definitely, I think it's a great feeling. To wear that jersey, I never thought about how I would feel after wearing CSK. It felt positive, and I felt very happy. It felt different, like a different energy. I felt like a champion. I felt like, okay, wow!!” Samson said in the video.

Watch: Sanju Samson shares emotional story on IPL 2026 trade to CSK

Samson has overall smashed 4704 runs in 172 innings of the IPL at an average of 30.94 with a strike rate of nearly 140, with the help of three centuries and 26 half-centuries at the best score of 119 runs. Apart from the 285 runs last year, Samson has crossed the 300-run mark in every single season since 2017.

"Felt like a champion.” – Sanju
In Yellove, the spirit chooses you 💛 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Eh4S0G5Am9
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 19, 2025

Overall in the T20s, the 31-year-old has collected 7763 runs in 296 innings. The right-handed batter got this record at an average of around 30 and a strike rate of 136.72 with the help of six centuries and 49 half-centuries at the best score of 119.

Samson is likely to bat at number three in the department for the Super Kings, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre are likely to open the batting. Samson will be a massive person in the south come this March when he turns up at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad best suited as…”- Anil Kumble’s stunning suggestion to CSK ahead of IPL 2026

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:25:35 GMT

The former Indian star player and the coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Anil Kumble, has dropped a stunning suggestion for the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2026 season of the event. He reckoned that despite the inclusion of Sanju Samson in the trade window, the five-time champions should continue to open with their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad.

It would, however, be an interesting choice for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s opening partner between Ayush Mhatre and Samson. The former was exceptional in the small chances he got last season, while the Kerala batter comes with loads of experience, having opened for the Rajasthan Royals.

“It's great to see Ruturaj Gaikwad back as captain of the Chennai Super Kings after his injury last season. My clear advice to him is to open the batting himself. While they have Sanju Samson and the promising Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj is best suited as an opener for CSK. His leadership and batting at the top will provide the stability the team needs.” Kumble expressed on JioStar.

Anil Kumble backs Ruturaj Gaikwad to open for CSK in IPL 2026

Kumble put his weight on the debate of Rajasthan’s next captain, in addition, as he named the three existing players of the squad who can lead the team in the tournament. They will go into the mini auction with a purse of INR 16.05 crore.

“Ravindra Jadeja returning to the Rajasthan Royals is a big move. Generally, CSK doesn't let go of their players, especially someone of Jadeja's quality who has had a long relationship with them. I was surprised they let him go. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson's coming to CSK is certainly a great move for them. Interestingly, Jadeja has also taken a pay cut from 18 crore to 14 crore.” Kumble addressed the interaction.

“They need to find a new captain. They have several options - Riyan Parag led them in a couple of matches last season, Yashasvi Jaiswal has always harbored captaincy dreams, young Dhruv Jurel has the right temperament, and there's the overseas option of Sam Curran. So Ravindra Jadeja becomes another interesting possibility for their leadership role.” The commentator shed light.

Chennai Super Kings hit 20 Million on Instagram, showcasing unmatched fan loyalty

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:52:36 GMT

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) reached the remarkable achievement of 20 million followers on Instagram on November 15, 2025. The team now finds itself as one of the most-followed teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on social media, reinforcing CSK's status as more than a successful cricket franchise, but as a cultural institution bolstered by fierce loyalty of its supporters.

In its announcement, CSK credited its “Whistle Podu Army” of supporters and stated that its 20 million followers was proof of the “power of love, loyalty and LION PRIDE.” This seems appropriate because more than two decades, CSK has forged a bond with its supporters characterized by trust, consistency, emotional connection, and iconic players who left an indelible mark on the legacy of the franchise.

A Landmark Moment Celebrating the Bond Between CSK and the Whistle Podu Army

CSK's following is not an accident. Over the years, the franchise has achieved a deftness in entertaining its followers through a skillful combination of nostalgia, entertainment, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the team at work. From emotive tribute posts to players to carefully crafted humorous pieces featuring the squad, CSK has built an online experience for its fans to enjoy long after the cricket is in the rearview mirror.

ALSO SEE: Nishant Sindhu and Harshit Rana crush South Africa A for 132 all out in IND-A vs SA-A 2nd unofficial ODI

This milestone also occurs against the backdrop of increased competition between IPL franchises to extend their global digital presence. In May 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first IPL franchise to drive 20 million followers, with CSK now joining them at the highest tier, and demonstrating how India's highest T20 league is doing well not only competitively but also through various digital channels globally.

For CSK, the milestone is more than just a number; it embodies years of dedication, perseverance, and relationship with the fans from around the world. Whether it’s through memories of championship victories, the charm of beloved players, or mere nostalgia from great IPL seasons, the yellow brigade embodies the passion of the game in its purest form.

While CSK celebrates this incredible digital milestone, the path ahead only looks brighter. With an ever-expanding fan base and the Whistle Podu Army getting louder and prouder, CSK, time and again, demonstrates that CSK is not a team, but a family bonded by love, loyalty, and the roar of Lion Pride.

3 Ex-Rajasthan Royals Captains Who Later Played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 12:30:43 GMT

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who joined Chennai Super Kings in a trade deal from Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, November 15, will not captain the Chennai-based franchise in IPL 2026. The five-time champions posted on X on Saturday evening, after the retentions were announced, to confirm that 28-year-old Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad will be the captain for the upcoming season.

But if we look at history, Sanju is not the only one. Two more players once captained the Rajasthan Royals and later played for the Yellow Army. This article shares all the details about this.

Also Read -Shubman Gill Ruled Out of 1st IND-SA Test After Suffering Neck Injury

Shane Watson: The First RR Captain to Play for CSK

Shane Watson: The First RR Captain to Play for CSK

Shane Watson was the first Rajasthan Royals captain to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He joined the Chennai team in the IPL 2018 mega auction and played 43 matches for them from 2018 to 2020. In those 43 matches, Watson scored 1252 runs and took six wickets for CSK.

Watson was part of RR from 2008 to 2019. He played 78 matches for them, scored 2372 runs, and dismissed 61 batters. (Picture Credit: AFP)

He led RR in 21 IPL matches but managed to win only seven.

Ajinkya Rahane: Another RR Captain to Join CSK

Ajinkya Rahane captained the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018 and 2019. Under his leadership, RR played 24 matches and won only nine.

Rahane played 100 IPL matches for RR and scored 2810 runs. He is the second-highest run-scorer in RR’s IPL history. He joined CSK in the IPL 2023 auction and played 27 matches across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In those games, he scored a total of 568 runs.

Chennai Super Kings retained and released players list ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 18:46:14 GMT

On Saturday, November 15, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) officially announced the list of players they have retained and released ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The franchise was very active during the trading window and made some of the biggest changes of the season. Their boldest decision was parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja, one of their biggest legends, along with star all-rounder Sam Curran.

Both Jadeja and Curran were traded to the Rajasthan Royals (RR). In return, CSK brought in former RR captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, making it one of the biggest trades ever seen in the IPL. CSK also said goodbye to talented Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana and the New Zealand pair of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra as part of their squad reshuffle.

CSK had a season to forget in IPL 2025, finishing in last place in the points table going 4 for 14 matches. The season concluded for the CSK as 8 points with a -0.647 net run rate made it their 'worst season ever' in IPL history. CSK showed flashbacks of fight this season, but overall were out of form and struggled for consistency to stay competitive.

CSK Retentions, Releases and Trades Ahead of IPL 2026

The new retention list shows that CSK are planning a fresh start while still backing their core players. They kept their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, some youngsters, some key all-rounders, and familiar bowling lineups. But, they did abandon a significant number of experienced players and traded Jadeja and Curran.

CSK’s 2025 season started with a strong win against the Mumbai Indians but quickly turned difficult as they suffered multiple losses against teams like RCB, RR, DC, PBKS and KKR. They picked up wins against LSG and later against KKR again, but consistency remained missing. Their best performance came in the final match where they beat Gujarat Titans by 83 runs, but it was too late to save their campaign.

CSK Retained Players for IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings have retained Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain, along with Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Devon Conway, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjanpreet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal and Mukesh Choudhary for the IPL 2026 season.

CSK Released Players for IPL 2026

The players released by CSK include Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, C Andre Siddarth, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Matheesha Pathirana and R Ashwin.

CSK Trades for IPL 2026

CSK have traded in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have been traded out to Rajasthan Royals.

New Zealand Openers Set To Part Ways With CSK Ahead of 2026 Retention List

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 17:46:41 GMT

Devon Conway will not be part of the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, ending his three-year journey with the team. The New Zealand opener joined CSK in 2022 and became a fan favourite because of his calm batting style and consistent performances. But after CSK’s poor season in 2025, the team is planning major changes. Reports say that Rachin Ravindra may also leave the franchise.

CSK bought Conway for ₹6.25 crore at last year’s auction, while the team kept Ravindra for ₹4.25 crore using the right-to-match card.

Also Read -List of confirmed player trade before IPL 2026 retention window

What Conway & Rachin Did for CSK

Conway’s form dropped sharply in 2025 after he missed the 2024 season. He was one of CSK’s best batters in 2023, scoring 672 runs in 15 innings at an average of 51.69. But after returning in 2025, he could not repeat that success. He scored only 156 runs in six innings, averaging 26 with a strike rate of 131.09. Since CSK spent ₹6.25 crore on him in the mega auction, the team expected more stability at the top. His poor form hurt CSK’s start and affected their season.

In 2022, Conway scored 252 runs in seven innings at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 145.66. His best season was 2023, when he became the league’s third-highest run-scorer and played a key role in the final against the Gujarat Titans, scoring 47 off 25 balls. Across three seasons, he made 1,080 runs in 29 matches, averaging 43.20 with a strike rate of 139.72.

Rachin Ravindra joined CSK in 2024 and scored 413 runs in 18 innings with a strike rate of 143.60. He hit two fifties but often failed to convert good starts into big scores.

CSK’s Auction Plan

Conway’s exit is part of a big rebuild planned by CSK for the 2026 season. Reports say several players — including Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Jamie Overton — may also be released.

The biggest move is the major trade: Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have joined Rajasthan Royals, while India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has moved to CSK.