Chennai Super Kings are heading into the IPL 2026 auction with a mission to bounce back after their worst-ever season. With a settled top order following the Sanju Samson trade, CSK now need to focus on strengthening their middle order, spin attack, and pace bowling to build a title-challenging squad again.

CSK’s bottom-placed finish and rebuild plans

CSK finished at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table for the first time in the tournament’s history, a shocking fall for the five-time champions. The team management knows a strong rebuild is needed, and the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi will be crucial. CSK have already made a big move by trading in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, which strengthens their top and middle order.

With Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Samson, and Urvil Patel forming the top order, CSK look settled at the top. The focus now shifts to adding quality middle-order batters, spinners who can perform at Chepauk, and pace bowlers who can strike with the new ball and at the death.

Middle-order and all-round options

CSK’s biggest need is in the middle order, especially after trading away Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals. They need powerful hitters and all-rounders who can finish games and provide bowling options as well.

Liam Livingstone is a prime target. The England all-rounder has over 1,000 IPL runs and is a proven big hitter who can bat anywhere from No. 4 to No. 6. He also offers handy leg-spin and off-spin, which adds depth to CSK’s bowling. Livingstone was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, making him available at the auction.

Daryl Mitchell is another option CSK could consider. The New Zealand all-rounder is a steady middle-order batter with international experience and can bowl medium pace when needed. His calm approach under pressure makes him a good fit for CSK’s style of cricket.

Michael Bracewell, who had limited game time with RCB in 2023, is also on CSK’s radar. The New Zealand all-rounder offers left-handed batting in the middle order and economical off-spin, making him a useful rotational player who can fill the gap left by Jadeja.

Spin options for Chepauk advantage

Spin has always been a big weapon for CSK at their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With Noor Ahmad as their main spinner, they want to add at least one more quality spinner to partner him.

Ravi Bishnoi is the top Indian spin target. The young leg-spinner has taken 72 wickets in the IPL and is excellent in the middle overs. His ability to take wickets while keeping the run rate down makes him a perfect fit for CSK’s needs. Bishnoi was released by Lucknow Super Giants and will be in high demand.

Akeal Hosein, the West Indies left-arm spinner, is another strong option. He is a reliable presence in T20 cricket worldwide and can bowl tight spells in the powerplay and middle overs. His control and variations make him a good second spinner alongside Noor Ahmad.

Pace bowling reinforcements

CSK need to strengthen their pace attack to have more firepower with the new ball and at the death. They currently have a decent core but want to add more quality and depth.

Matt Henry, the New Zealand pacer, is a top overseas pace target. He swings the new ball, can pick up early wickets, and also has good yorkers at the death. Henry’s experience in all conditions makes him a valuable addition to any IPL squad.

For an Indian pace option, Mohsin Khan or similar domestic pacers could be on CSK’s shortlist. The article mentions “Auqib Nabi” as an Indian bowler CSK might target to add more variety and depth to their pace attack. Having a mix of overseas and domestic pace options will give CSK flexibility in team selection throughout the tournament.