Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made some big and bold moves at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The franchise spent heavily on uncapped Indian all-rounder Prashant Veer, buying him for a massive ₹14.20 crore. CSK also paid the same amount for uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma. Both players had a base price of just ₹30 lakh and became the joint highest-paid uncapped players in IPL auction history.

Prashant Veer, an all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, impressed everyone with his performances in domestic cricket. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 112 runs in six innings at an average of over 37 and a strike rate above 170. He also took nine wickets in seven matches, showing his value as a complete all-rounder. Kartik Sharma, a wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, has also shown strong form. He has scored 334 runs in 12 T20 matches at a strike rate of over 162, including two half-centuries.

CSK also added overseas experience by signing West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein for ₹2 crore at his base price, with no bidding war. Ahead of the auction, CSK made a major trade by sending Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. Samson is expected to open the batting for CSK next season along with either Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ayush Mhatre.

See Also: IPL Auction 2026: Full squad and new bought players for Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Chennai Super Kings Bought Players at IPL 2026 Auction

Akeal Hosein (₹2 crore), Prashant Veer (₹14.20 crore), Kartik Sharma (₹14.20 crore), Matthew Short (₹1.5 crore), Aman Khan (₹40 lakh), Rahul Chahar (₹5.20 crore), Matt Henry (₹2 crore), Sarfaraz Khan (₹75 lakh).

Chennai Super Kings Full Squad for IPL 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Ayush Mhatre, M.S. Dhoni, Sanju Samson (traded from RR), Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, Matthew Short, Aman Khan, Rahul Chahar, Matt Henry, Sarfaraz Khan.

A video shared by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) went viral on social media platforms, as it is supposed to be a hint of their strategy ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. Through the video, viewers can see Leo, mascot of the franchise, went for some shopping and bought three different items from a fruit seller.

For the cricket fans, the video has a hidden meaning, as the franchise is expected to cash in for multiple players for the next season of IPL (IPL 2026). The hint can be the items Leo bought from the fruit seller and put into a carry bag.

The video starts with a phone call. Leo talked for a few moments over the phone and then went shopping. The fruit seller in the CSK t-shirt said to Leo, "What a man you are, Leo! You always think differently. Wait, let me give."

Read More: 'They tell us not to commit...'- Yashasvi Jaiswal discussed influence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in dressing room

CSK confirms 3 players ahead of IPL 2026 auction, watch the video

Leo Vazhi, Thani Vazhi 😉🦁#LeoHotline pic.twitter.com/82IrWALVTG

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 10, 2025

The fruit seller packed three items in a transparent carry bag, and Leo walked away happily from the market. As the carry bag was transparent, viewers can clearly see which items Leo bought from the shop—kiwi, apple, and a mixture.

Now, cricket fans are assuming that these three fruits are the hints for which players the franchise is set to go in the franchise. The Kiwi can be a reference to a New Zealand player, the apple can be a sign of Eden Apple Tom or can be a cricketer from Kashmir, and the mixture can be an all-rounder. Needless to say, the market can be a direct reference to the upcoming player auction. Which players CSK is going to sign lies in the future; before that, cricket fans can enjoy the creative video shared by Chennai Super Kings.

That one century can prove enough to clear all doubts among the team selectors. In the upcoming days, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad can get another massive opportunity to showcase his talent for Team India. If the reports are to be believed, then the batter can make a debut in other formats as well for the Men in Blue.

After a long wait, Ruturaj Gaikwad got another chance to prove himself in the 50-over format. In the first ODI of the ongoing 3-match series against South Africa, he underperformed. But, in the following match, he bounced back with a bang. Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI hundred in Raipur and helped India to post 358 runs on the scoreboard batting first. Though that total was not enough to secure a win against the visitors.

The right-handed batter made his ODI debute back in October, 2022. After that he featured against South Africa, the West Indies, and Australia. Before the century, Gaikwad's only notable knock for the team was 71 against Australia in Mohali on 22 Sep 2023. Before the ongoing series with South Africa, there were only a couple of instances when he managed to get runs in two digits. Because of the poor form, BCCI dropped him from the team.

Read More: Watch: Dewald Brevis with his GF in Vizag ahead of IND vs SA 3rd ODI

CSK star Ruturaj Gaikwad can make Test debut for India soon

In 2024, Ruturaj did not play a single game for India but did well in domestic cricket. After months of dedication and hard work in domestic cricket, the selectors again showed trust in the 28-year-old. Now, he is looking more controlled and composed with the bat in the middle of the ground.

According to the latest updates, Ruturaj Gaikwad can soon make his Test debut for India after taking part in ODIs and T20Is. India is expected to play a Test series against Sri Lanka; there Gaikwad can get a chance to perform in the Whites. If the selectors put him in the playing combination, then Sai Sudharshan's place can be in trouble, as the team management is desperate to get a suitable number 3 batter for the Test format. Sudharshan played a few matches in that position but lacked consistency.

Chennai Super Kings are now in a different period after their significant off-season changes prior to IPL 2026. The team made a significant move by trading their key all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, for Sanju Samson. This trade surprised the fans a lot, but on the other hand, it benefited the team financially as it released a huge amount of ₹43.40 crore into their budget. CSK also let go of 10 players, which means they can now build a team that would not face the same issue of imbalance as the previous year.

The auction will no doubt attract CSK's eye with a number of foreign players, yet the all-rounder from the West Indies, Jason Holder, is the one who attracts the most attention among other players as a compelling target. His participation in IPL has been sporadic since 2013, but Holder has managed to get into the best T20 cricket form quietly, which makes him a strong candidate for being bought cheaply with high chances of return.

1. Holder Is Having His Best T20I Period

Once regarded as a first-class all-rounder, Holder's white-ball career did not show such remarkable heights until now. In 2025, the 34-year-old player welcomes the T20 format with full commitment and has already played 23 T20Is for West Indies this year.

ALSO READ: Which two Indian players will be part of ILT20 2025-26?

His stats are impressive: 31 scalps at an average of 22.61 and an economy of 8.60, along with a drastic increase in the batting department, almost 20 runs per innings, with a 149+ strike rate. In a field where the current form often plays a bigger part than the reputation, this revival makes Holder a very proper option for the changing squad of CSK.

2. Much-Needed Bowling Versatility for CSK

The main problem that CSK faced in the previous season was their pace attack's lack of diversity. While Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj did an excellent job as new-ball bowlers, Matheesha Pathirana's main role was to bowl at the death. This often led CSK to use spinners in the non-favourable match-up phases.

With Holder, they step up the game. The West Indian bowler has had a good year in T20Is, bowling in the different phases effectively:

• Powerplay: 34 overs, 12 wickets, avg 25.20
• Middle overs: 18 overs, 3 wickets, econ 8.50
• Death overs: 29.3 overs, 16 wickets, avg 15.40, econ 8.34

This rare efficiency of three phases is exactly what CSK needed.

3. A Non-Negotiable Role After the Exit of Jadeja and Curran

CSK's need is urgent for a reliable lower-order all-rounder after the departures of Jadeja and Curran, with the all-rounder options becoming fewer due to retirements or the non-availability of Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell, and Moeen Ali. Cameron Green may be the headline name at the auction, but Holder is likely to have exceptional value and experience at a lower price.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) shared a video from their official social media account, from where viewrs can see how MS Dhoni is doing batting practice against Khaleel Ahmed. 

Along with scouting projects, the main sqaud of CSK has been preparing for a fresh Indian Premier League season after a rare setback in IPL 2025, where they ended the season at the bottom of the points table. The multi-time league-winning franchise is determind to make a bounceback to regain their glory days. 

Through the video we can see how Dhoni is batting against Ahmed. At the age of 44, the former India skipper smashed the 27-year-old for a huge over boundary and a boundary. After getting hit for two big shots, Khaleel came back and took the wicket of Dhoni. 

Read More: Watch : Ravindra Jadeja takes Temba Bavuma's wicket in IND vs SA 2nd Test is Guwahati

MS Dhoni smashing big shots ahead of IPL 2026

Ahead of IPL 2026, there was a lot of speculations about Dhoni's participation in the tournament because of his age. But the team management already confirmed that the iconic player will not going to miss the season as well. Before a new IPL campaign, the former international has started his preparations along with other team members.

Come for Thala’s big hits, stay for Khaleel’s comeback.🔥#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/sU4MYfyIz2

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 23, 2025

In the previous season, Dhoni's role as a batter was criticised heavily by fans and critics. He often came to bat deep down the batting order, after his usual number 7 batting position. Dhoni's batting style and his strike in IPL 2025 were also under the scanner. Now, crickete fans are curious to see in which role the keeper will play for CSK in the 2026 season. 

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. 

Read More: Watch: Mitchell Starc completes 10-wicket haul on Day 2 of 1st Test of The Ashes 2025-26

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. 

Numerous surprising moves ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction — Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Andre Russell and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) parted ways with Ravindra Jadeja. Both of the teams will try to sign in all-rounders from the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction. Jadeja joined Rajasthan Royals, but where will Russell join?

According to speculations, CSK can bid for the West Indian all-rounder. It will make sense if they go for the pace bowling all-rounder. Chennai Super Kings has the tendency to cash in for experienced, proven players; Russell will fit in the bracket. The all-rounder has cemented his legacy as a globetrotting, prolific T20 cricketer. He is among the lower middle-order batters, who can smash the ball hard in any part of the park. Ahead of the new season, CSK released pace bowling all-rounder Sam Curran and Vijay Shankar, and they have the opportunity to bid for 4 overseas players. If they wish to bid for a pace bowling all-rounder who can make an impact on the field from the middle or lower-middle order, then they can think about Russell.

Though, as of now, there are no official confirmations about CSK's interest in him. The Jamaica-born was a core member of Kolkata Knight Riders for years. From IPL 2014 to IPL 2025, Russell was with KKR. Now, he will try his luck in the auction.  

Read More: Watch: Rajasthan Royals reveals new head coach in special video ahead of IPL 2026

CSK to bid for Andre Russell?

CSK Released Players: Ravindra Jadeja (traded to Rajasthan Royals), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Sam Curran (traded to Rajasthan Royals), Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Matheesha Pathirana, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, and Andre Siddarth.

CSK Retained Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, M.S. Dhoni, Sanju Samson (traded from Rajasthan Royals), Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, and Nathan Ellis.

Purse remaining: Rs. 43.40 crore

Slots left: 9 (4 overseas)

Ravindra Jadeja finally reacted after completing his move from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. On Saturday morning, the IPL governing council confirmed the high-profile swap between Jadeja and Sanju Samson, with Jadeja joining RR for INR 14 crore while Samson moved to CSK for INR 18 crore. The Royals also secured Sam Curran from CSK for INR 2.40 crore as part of their squad restructuring.

Jadeja expressed his happiness about returning to the franchise where his IPL journey started. He said it felt emotional and special to be back with the inaugural IPL champions. The all-rounder highlighted how important the Royals were to his early career and how he hopes to achieve more success with the current group of players.

The move has generated huge buzz among fans, especially after RR shared Jadeja’s entry video welcoming him back to the team. The video quickly went viral, with supporters calling it a “homecoming moment” for the star all-rounder.

Jadeja Calls RR His “Home” in First Reaction

Speaking about his return, Jadeja said, "Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory." He added, “Coming back feels special; it’s not just a team for me, it’s home. Rajasthan Royals is where I won my first IPL, and I hope to win more with this current group of players.”

Watch the video here

Rajasthan Royals Media Team cooked hard for Ravindra Jadeja entry video. 😭pic.twitter.com/SzUR5MzY8T

— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) November 15, 2025

See Also: Shubman Gill retires hurt with injury scare as India face massive blow in IND vs SA 1st Test

Jadeja played his first two IPL seasons with the Royals and was famously called a “rockstar” by the late Shane Warne. He later joined CSK in 2012 and remained a core member of the franchise, helping them win the 2023 title with a memorable finish against Gujarat Titans. With 254 IPL matches under his belt, Jadeja now brings immense experience back to RR. Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket, praised the move, saying Jadeja can influence the game in every department and his presence will boost the squad’s confidence. As part of these trades, RR also released Nitish Kumar, who will now play for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026

In what could perhaps become one of the most highlighted trades in IPL history, Ravindra Jadeja is said to be in line to be traded to Rajasthan Royals (RR) from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a major player-for-player trade that could potentially see Sanju Samson going back the other way. Reports indicate that Jadeja is reportedly interested in taking the captaincy position for RR should the trade occur which would see him not only get traded, but also be a major twist to the leadership scheme in the IPL.

For the Royals, the departure of Sanju Samson, who has been a fabulous leader for the franchise over the last decade plus would leave a gaping hole in leadership. Although young prospects Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown some promise, the team is believed to prefer an experienced hand. More than ever, with Jadeja's 10 plus years IPL experience, could bring an immediate stability and aggression to the Royals as it pertains to their rebuild post split from their identity.

Notably, this would provide Jadeja with a chance to return to where it all began as he launched his IPL playing career at Rajasthan Royals (RR) under the guidance of the late Shane Warne. Warne often called him “Rockstar,” a moniker that Jadeja has maintained throughout his career. If Jadeja returns as captain of RR, it would be a symbolic mix of his returning past while facing a new leadership challenge as he enters the final stage of his career.

See Also: Watch: Steve Smith takes stunning catch for New South Wales during Sheffield Shield 2025-26 clash

From CSK to RR - a legacy of love and a leadership test

While reports indicate that Jadeja would lead RR, it is important to acknowledge his legacy at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that has been substantial. Over 186 matches for CSK, Jadeja was an instrumental part of the franchise's success story as he always came through in clutch situations with bat or ball while earning the undying fandom behind him and MS Dhoni.

Although Jadeja had a short stint as captain last season in 2022 for CSK, it did not work out as well as both parties hoped with only two wins in eight matches. However, RR is possibly looking to Jadeja as a captain and he has a wonderful chance to redeem himself - to show the league and fans that he can captain, while mentoring and leading a group of young and dynamic players as RR embarks on a new chapter of dominance in the IPL.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head into IPL 2026 with a strong nucleus but some glaring issues. Their top five–Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Dewald Brevis, provides an excellent assortment of youth, experience, and some downright explosive batting. The problem begins after that. CSK's biggest problem heading into the season will the reliable finishers at 6 and 8; a position that has defined their performance in clutch moments during the last decade and more. 

CSK’s selection dilemmas have only been exacerbated by the retirement of some key lower-order all-rounders and an underwhelming talent pool in the upcoming mini auction. Known for the quality of its balance and strategy, the franchise now has the task of reconstructing the finishers–a task that was once taken on by any one of the following: MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo, and Ravindra Jadeja without batting an eye. Without reliable finishers, the middle-to-lower order appears flimsy, particularly on difficult- batting surfaces.

Another critical aspect is CSK’s inclination to prefer stability and predictability over fluctuations in the line-up. The management rarely produces wholesale changes, which still may lead to a few young Indian names coming through, or even some interesting buys of foreign players. However, will the new youngsters be able to manage when the situation arises? With power-hitters lacking in the auction pool, the question of balance between aggression and composure for IPL 2026 will define CSK’s expectations.

See Also: “Not getting runs for…”- Former BCCI selector slams India’s back-up batters ahead of South Africa series

Is This CSK Line-Up Strong Enough to Survive IPL 2026?

The top order looks robust — if Mhatre is aggressive, Gaikwad is playing the steady anchor, Samson is classy, Dube is powerful, and Brevis is flamboyant, then any bowling attack will be dissected. If there is no assistance from the lower order, then it could all be for nothing. Clubs like KKR and MI are actively building a flexible finisher to alter the game from the back-end and are putting additional pressure on CSK to adapt their dynamic.

In order to remain competitive, CSK may have to discover a gem or rely on a lesser-known Indian all-rounder to fill the roles. The auction approach and the ability to develop finishers within the team structure may ultimately determine whether they are a title contender or end up mid-table surviving another season. IPL 2026 will certainly challenge CSK's capacity to rebuild and their changing legacy beyond the Dhoni era.