CSK Best Playing XI for IPL 2026: Sanju Samson Strengthens Batting, MS Dhoni Likely as Impact Player

The Chennai Super Kings are probably the most favorite team for IPL 2026 as they are already convincing a balanced squad supporting the future. CSK has gained a marvelous blend of veterans and youngsters by preserving their dependable core and bringing in nine fresh faces via the auction.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's taking over as captain has made the batting lineup really powerful. The young batsman Ayush Mhatre is likely to be the source of quick runs upfront, while Dewald Brevis flames up the batting line-up with his destructive style of batting in the middle. Shivam Dube’s left-handed hitting and all-round ability remain vital to the setup. Veteran MS Dhoni, though retained, is likely to be utilised mainly as an Impact Player this season.

CSK’s auction strategy leaned heavily towards Gen Z talent, with uncapped Indian players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma attracting a combined spend of ₹28.4 crore. The franchise has a strong vision for them which lasts for the long-term.

One of the main reasons for recovery is the trade acquisition of Sanju Samson who greatly improves the team's batting strength at the top. Along with him, the other two mini-auction players, Sarfaraz Khan and Rahul Chahar, have also added up to the batting and spin bowling, thus CSK coming back from a couple of not-so-good seasons.

IPL 2026: CSK’s Most Powerful Players XI (No MS Dhoni)

The left-handed batsman Ayush Mhatre along with Sanju Samson as the opener pair being aggressive could be the top order pick of CSK. They will just set the right mood from the start. The captain Ruturaj Gaikwad may get No. 3 and Dewald Brevis at No. 4. Besides all-rounder Shivam Dube, who is still the first option, there is a belief that the young Kartik Sharma will be the one to perform the finishing role in the end.

On the turning tracks of Chepauk, the two spinners, Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar, are likely to be the primary. As for fast bowling, it might be Jamie Overton and Nathan Ellis along with Indian bowler Khaleel Ahmed.

Chennai Super Kings Best Playing XI – 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

New pranic forces coupled with smart tactical ways will bring CSK back to Premier League thinking and hopeful serious title contenders come IPL 2026.