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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially hit the ‘reset’ button. Following a high-stakes IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, the franchise has emerged with a squad that looks drastically different from the ‘experienced’ units of the past. Former CSK batter and cricket analyst Subramaniam Badrinath has voiced his approval of this transition, breaking down a playing 12 that balances blockbuster trades with record-breaking uncapped talent.
With the departure of long-term pillars like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, Badrinath believes CSK have finally embraced a “youth-first” philosophy to secure the next decade of success.
CSK’s tactical masterstroke: The Youth gamble
The biggest talking point of the auction was CSK’s aggressive pursuit of uncapped Indian players. The franchise spent a staggering ₹28.4 crore combined to secure Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma. Badrinath notes that this is a clear departure from the MS Dhoni-Stephen Fleming ‘safety-first’ manual.
By trading for Sanju Samson (in exchange for Jadeja and Sam Curran), CSK have also solved their long-term leadership and wicketkeeping succession plan, creating a top-heavy batting lineup designed for modern T20 aggression.
S. Badrinath predicts CSK Playing 12 for IPL 2026
Based on the auction buys and squad balance, Badrinath’s preferred XII, picked on Star Sports, features a blend of fearless openers and a completely revamped spin department. Badrinath’s analysis heavily focuses on the role of Prashant. Losing Jadeja was a massive blow, but Badrinath argues that Veer’s left-arm spin and explosive lower-order hitting make him the ideal successor. Furthermore, the combination of Kartik and MS Dhoni at the back end ensures that CSK remains one of the most dangerous finishing units in the league.
Badrinath’s CSK 12 for IPL 2026:
| No. | Player | Role | Impact / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayush Mhatre | Opener | The breakout star; Badrinath’s pick for the most exciting young opener. |
| 2 | Sanju Samson | Opener / WK | The blockbuster trade; expected to lead the charge in the Powerplay. |
| 3 | Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) | Top Order | The anchor; returning from injury to lead the “New Era” squad. |
| 4 | Dewald Brevis ✈️ | Middle Order | “Baby AB” provides the overseas muscle in the middle overs. |
| 5 | Shivam Dube | All-rounder | Retained as the primary destroyer of spin bowling. |
| 6 | Kartik Sharma | Finisher / WK | ₹14.2 Cr Buy. and considered as the “future of Indian finishing.” |
| 7 | MS Dhoni | Finisher | The “Mentor-Player” who will likely drop lower to guide the youngsters. |
| 8 | Prashant Veer | All-rounder | ₹14.2 Cr Buy. The direct tactical replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. |
| 9 | Nathan Ellis ✈️ | Pace (Death) | Tactical pick; his cutters on the slower at Chepauk tracks will surely be an advantage. |
| 10 | Khaleel Ahmed | Pace (Left-arm) | Provides the Powerplay swing and much-needed left-arm angle. |
| 11 | Noor Ahmad ✈️ | Wrist-spin | The primary wicket-taker; world-class quality at a young age. |
| 12 | Rahul Chahar | Impact Sub | Badrinath suggests Chahar to double down on spin dominance at home. |
No place for Sarfaraz Khan
In a move that surprised many fans, Badrinath did not find a place for Sarfaraz Khan in his starting 12. Sarfaraz was picked in the accelerated round during the auction but Badrinath’s selection indicates a preference for “specialist” roles over Sarfaraz’s traditional middle-order playstyle. By prioritizing the explosive power of Dube and the finishing potential of the high-priced Kartik, the analyst suggests that there is simply no room in the current XI for Sarfaraz to fit into the tactical puzzle Badrinath has envisioned for the Yellow Army.
