Successor for MSD | CSK 2026 Auction

CSK’s IPL auction tells a very clear story — this is no longer just Dhoni’s team, this is a young-core rebuild with intent.

Last season, CSK’s opening was a consistent problem. Their powerplay run rate was just 7.91, the lowest in IPL 2025. They crossed 50 in the powerplay only 4 times in 10 matches. That weakness forced mid-season signings like Urvi Patel, Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis — and to be fair, Mhatre and Brevis responded well.

Noor Ahmad emerging as a purple cap contender was a big positive, but Ruturaj’s elbow injury after 5 matches disrupted stability at the top.

This auction made CSK’s philosophy crystal clear: young players over big names.

The headline moves were Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer — both bought for a massive ₹14.20 Cr each. Kartik Sharma was always a CSK/KKR-style pick: young, middle-order batter, wicketkeeper, flexible role. At that price, he has to play.

Prashant Veer is almost a like-to-like replacement in role — young, aggressive, and long-term focused. CSK spent nearly ₹28.5 Cr on two uncapped players aged 18–20, which says everything about their vision.

It almost feels like CSK didn’t just miss out on Sanju Samson from RR — they borrowed RR’s youth-first philosophy instead.

Rahul Chahar at ₹5.2 Cr solves a major spin need. CSK wanted Ravi Bishnoi, but RR moved quicker. Still, Chahar fits Chepauk conditions perfectly.

Overseas-wise, CSK covered all bases:

Matt Henry for ₹2 Cr — experienced pacer, though not a yorker specialist

Matthew Short at ₹1.5 Cr — shocking value, can open or float in the order

Sarfaraz Khan at base price (₹75L) — absolute steal if backed properly

CSK didn’t chase hype. They bought exactly what they needed.

Probable CSK Playing XI

Sanju Samson
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Kartik Sharma
Dewald Brevis
Shivam Dube
MS Dhoni
Sarfaraz Khan
Prashant Veer
Nathan Ellis
Matt Henry
Khaleel Ahmed
Noor Ahmad

Bench options:
Ayush Mhatre
Matthew Short

On the other side, RCB finally got Venkatesh Iyer after chasing him for two years. KKR tried hard to bring him back, but RCB won the race. Venkatesh already has domestic chemistry with captain Rajat Patidar — a big plus.

Cameron Green’s role also becomes interesting, as he continues to bat at 1–2 for Australia.

Overall, CSK look younger, braver, and very intentional. Whether this gamble pays off immediately or in the long run is the big question.

What do you think:
Did CSK overpay for youth?
Is Kartik Sharma undroppable now?
Is this the start of CSK’s post-Dhoni era?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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