Purse: Rs. 43.40 crore

Slots to fill: 9

Overseas slots: 4

Where CSK stands right now

On paper, the top order looks largely set. Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad give CSK stability and flexibility, while Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis round out a top five that can absorb pressure. MS Dhoni’s presence, even at the back end, continues to shape how the rest of the XI is built.

The real gap: the middle order

The auction, though, is not about the top. Trading out Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to land Samson has left CSK short of multi-skill players in the middle. The brief now is tricky but clear: two all-rounders with contrasting skill sets. One who can offer quality spin, and another who can deliver pace, ideally with the ball in hand at the death.

This is not just a balance issue. CSK was the poorest side in the league last season when it came to death-overs run rate. Fixing that weakness is urgent, and it cannot be done with specialist batters alone.

Bowling depth under pressure

There is another complication. None of CSK’s current bowlers are known for their batting, and among the top eight, only Dube offers a secondary bowling option. That places extra value on all-rounders who can genuinely contribute with the ball rather than fill overs.

The Pathirana-shaped hole

Releasing Matheesha Pathirana means CSK need an overseas fast bowler capable of closing out innings, with Nathan Ellis currently the only clear death option. In a mini-auction, where proven bowlers are scarce, a reunion with Pathirana would make strategic sense if the price stays manageable.

Spin stocks to replenish

With Jadeja gone and R. Ashwin retired, CSK are also light on finger spin. Shreyas Gopal is the lone reserve option, which may push the franchise to look for a reliable spinner who fits their control-first philosophy.

Bottom line

CSK enters the auction with clarity and cash. The top order is stable, but the middle overs and the death demand reinforcements. How well it replaces Jadeja and Curran, without sacrificing bowling depth, will define whether this squad merely competes or genuinely contends.

Published on Dec 16, 2025