CSK Best Playing 11: Sanju Samson In, No MS Dhoni - Chennai Super Kings Strongest Lineup in IPL 2026

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Chennai Super Kings have built a solid squad for IPL 2026. They kept their core players and used the auction to add nine new names.

The team now has a good mix of experienced players and young talent. The batting looks strong with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the side. Young opener Ayush Mhatre can give fast starts. Dewald Brevis brings power in the middle order. Shivam Dube adds left-hand strength. MS Dhoni was retained and the veteran is likely to play as an Impact Player.

CSK IPL 2026 Squad

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Sanju Samson, Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, Matthew Short, Aman Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Zak Foulkes

In the auction, CSK concentrated on bringing in the Gen Z talent, as they roped in a couple of Indian uncapped players for a mammoth Rs 28.4 crore. Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were both bought for that humongous amount as the Super Kings look to build a new core for the future.

Apart from that, the addition of Sanju Samson as trade further bolsters their batting up top. In the mini auction, the buys such as Sarfaraz Khan and Rahul Chahar have robusted their strength and depth, as they look to return strongly after a couple of dismal seasons.

IPL 2026 CSK Strongest Lineup: No MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson In

In the lineup, the Super Kings would be best going with youngster Ayush Mhatre along with Sanju Samson. The two aggressive batters can be the instigator of a major batting revolution for them in the upcoming season.

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad can play at no. 3, while South African sensation Dewald Brevis can come in the no. 4 slot. Shivam Dube's all-round abilities make him a must-choice, while new boy Kartik Sharma can be the real force as a finisher.

Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar are likely to be their spin twin, especially at the Chepauk. Similarly, the Super Kings may opt for Jamie Overton and Nathan Ellis as their two pacers, along with Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed.

Chennai Super Kings Best Playing 11 IPL 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Player Options

Batting: MS Dhoni/Urvil Patel

Bowling: Anshul Kamboj/Gurjapneet Singh/Prashant Veer