Not Cameron Green! Kaif Names CSK’s Top Targets for IPL 2026 Auction
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has identified Liam Livingstone, Glenn Maxwell, and David Miller as top targets for Chennai Super Kings as the franchise looks to rebuild its middle order ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Mohammad Kaif suggests Liam Livingstone, Glenn Maxwell and other power-hitters as key targets for CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
As the IPL 2026 auction is nearing, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for a major reconstruction after letting go of 12 players from their roster. The team that has won the IPL title five times has kept 16 players and will have a balance of ₹43.40 crore left for the auction next month.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has identified several players he believes CSK should pursue to strengthen their middle order—an area significantly thinned after the franchise let go of several Indian batters.
Kaif’s Picks for CSK’s Ideal Targets
Kaif highlighted Liam Livingstone and Glenn Maxwell as two top options, noting that both players bring explosive batting power along with useful off-spin—qualities that fit CSK’s long-standing preference for multi-dimensional cricketers.
“Livingstone will suit Chennai well. He can be their sixth bowler and bat at No. 5. Dhoni no longer bats higher up, so CSK need strong middle-order options,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel. He added that CSK’s history of relying on batting all-rounders—such as Sam Curran, Craig Overton, Dwayne Bravo and Albie Morkel—makes players like Livingstone and Maxwell even more valuable.
Kaif also believes Maxwell, despite a dip in form, could thrive in Chennai’s conditions. “He can bowl with the new ball and has done so for RCB. At a ground like Chennai, his off-spin becomes even more useful,” he said.
Other Potential CSK Targets
Among Indian options, Kaif sees David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, and possibly Andre Russell (if available) as strong contenders for the No. 5 and No. 6 slots. He noted that Rahul Tripathi and Vijay Shankar did not meet expectations in their previous stints, prompting CSK to look for fresh middle-order solutions.
Kaif also outlined what CSK’s top order and core lineup could look like:
Samson and Mhatre as openers
Gaikwad at No. 3
Brevis at No. 4
Dube at No. 5
Russell or Maxwell at No. 6, with Dhoni adding experience in the lower order
He added that CSK will likely look for a spinner, a bowling all-rounder, and possibly an additional opener to round out the squad.
