NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings entered the IPL 2026 auction with a sizeable purse of Rs 43.40 crore and nine slots to fill, including four overseas positions, giving the five-time champions ample flexibility to reshape and strengthen their squad. One of the most successful franchises in league history, CSK have lifted the IPL trophy five times, all under the iconic leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and once again approached the auction with a clear strategy centred on balance, depth and long-term planning.
The mini auction in Abu Dhabi grabbed global attention with several headline-making deals. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green became the biggest talking point after Kolkata Knight Riders snapped him up for a record Rs 25.20 crore, making him the third most expensive player and most expensive overseas player in IPL history.
However, CSK were at the heart of another major storyline as they went all out for uncapped Indian talents.
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma emerged as the biggest domestic buys, becoming the highest-priced uncapped players in IPL history after CSK secured both for a staggering Rs 14.20 crore each. Elsewhere, Matheesha Pathirana fetched Rs 18 crore from KKR, making him the most expensive Sri Lankan player ever sold at an IPL auction.
Overall, the auction underlined the league’s financial strength, with all 10 teams filling 77 vacant slots for a combined spend of Rs 215.45 crore.
CSK retained a strong and experienced core ahead of the auction. MS Dhoni continues to be the emotional and tactical fulcrum of the side, while Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the team on the field. The batting group features proven performers such as Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis, alongside emerging talents Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel. In the bowling department, CSK have variety and experience through Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary and Shreyas Gopal, supported by promising Indian options like Anshul Kamboj and Gurjapneet Singh.
At the auction, CSK focused on strengthening both spin and pace resources while adding batting depth. Along with the marquee signings of Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, the franchise picked up experienced leg-spinner Rahul Chahar for Rs 5.20 crore. Overseas additions included Akeal Hosein and Matt Henry, both acquired for Rs 2 crore, while Matthew Short added further all-round depth. Sarfaraz Khan was brought in for Rs 75 lakh to bolster the middle order, with Aman Khan and Zak Foulkes completing the squad.
With a blend of seasoned campaigners, exciting uncapped talent and smart overseas picks, Chennai Super Kings appear well-equipped to challenge once again as they look to add a sixth IPL title to their illustrious record.
Chennai Super Kings Full Team List for IPL 2026
Players Retained:MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brewis, Shivam Dube, Urvil Patel, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Khaleel Ahmed, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Jamie Overton, Gurjapneet Singh, Anshul Kamboj
Players bought at auction:Akeal Hosein (Rs 2 crore), Prashant Veer (Rs 14.20 crore), Kartik Sharma (Rs 14.20 crore), Matthew Short (Rs 1.5 crore), Aman Khan (Rs 40 lakh), Zak Foulkes (Rs 75 lakh), Sarfaraz Khan (Rs 75 lakh), Rahul Chahar (Rs 5.20 crore), Matt Henry (Rs 2 crore), Akeal Hosein (Rs 2 crore)
FULL SQUAD: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, M.S. Dhoni, Sanju Samson, 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, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Zak Foulkes.