Chennai Super Kings are heading into the IPL 2026 auction with big plans and a hefty budget after a major squad shake-up. The five-time champions have already secured their top target through a trade, but the auction on December 16 will be crucial to rebuild a balanced team. Big trade brings Sanju Samson to CSK

CSK completed a blockbuster three-player trade with Rajasthan Royals to bring in Sanju Samson at his existing fee of ₹18 crore. In return, Rajasthan received Ravindra Jadeja (revised fee of ₹14 crore) and Sam Curran (₹2.4 crore), marking one of the biggest trades in IPL history. This move gives CSK an experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter who has played 177 IPL matches and can anchor the middle order. The trade also helped CSK free up funds and overseas slots after losing key all-rounders in Jadeja and Curran.

​ CSK auction purse and squad gaps

After the trade and other releases, Chennai Super Kings will enter the IPL 2026 auction with ₹43.4 crore remaining in their purse, the second-highest among all franchises. They have nine slots to fill, including four overseas spots. The departures of Jadeja, Curran, and the retirement of R Ashwin have left major holes in their spin department, death bowling, and finishing ability. CSK also released players like Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, and Rahul Tripathi.

​ Top priority: Overseas finisher and power all-rounder

The biggest gap in CSK’s lineup is at the finisher position, where Sam Curran and Jadeja used to provide firepower in the lower-middle order. CSK will likely go aggressive for Liam Livingstone, who was released by RCB and offers big-hitting ability plus handy spin bowling. David Miller, released by Lucknow Super Giants, is another prime target as one of the most reliable death-overs batters in the IPL.

Cameron Green is expected to be the most expensive player at the auction, and CSK might enter the bidding war for his explosive pace-bowling all-round skills, even though he naturally fits higher in the batting order.

​ Frontline Indian spinner needed for Chepauk

With Jadeja traded and Ashwin retired, CSK’s domestic spin resources lack the wicket-taking punch required for their home ground at Chepauk. Securing a premium Indian spinner is now crucial. The two main targets are Ravi Bishnoi, released by Lucknow Super Giants, and Rahul Chahar, released by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both are young leg-spinners who can take wickets in the middle overs and control the game on turning surfaces.

​ Overseas death-bowling pacer

CSK need a dependable overseas quick for the death overs after releasing Matheesha Pathirana. Their first strategy will likely be trying to re-acquire Pathirana at a lower price. If that fails, they could target Gerald Coetzee, released by Gujarat Titans, or Anrich Nortje, released by Delhi Capitals, both of whom offer pace and variations at the death.

​ Indian batting and all-round depth

To add flexibility and backup options, CSK could target Venkatesh Iyer, released by Kolkata Knight Riders, who can bat in the middle order and bowl a few overs of pace. Prithvi Shaw, released by Delhi Capitals, is another option as an aggressive Indian opener or backup batter.