CSK has several backups for its players at the top of the order; However, they may have to struggle with some of their options lower down the order. Some of them include players like former captain MS Dhoni, who led them to five IPL titles.
Chennai Super Kings have won most of the auctions, and they will be looking to bounce back from their performances in the franchise league as well. CSK made some big investments in players like Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma, with huge sums of money invested in them.
They have a very good group of overseas players, including Dewald Brewis, Jamie Overton and Matt Henry. However, apart from these players, their main strength is the Indian players in the Men in Yellow camp.
3 CSK players who can become a liability in IPL 2026
Noor Ahmed
The Afghan spinner was the central figure in CSK’s bowling attack in IPL 2025 and finished as their highest wicket-taker in the season. The spinner moved from Gujarat Titans to Chennai Super Kings after being bought for a whopping price of Rs 10 crore in the mega-auction.
The left-arm spinner, who bowls somewhat like a Chinaman bowler, enjoyed bowling on the favorable pitches of the M. Chidambaram Stadium. The grip of the surface makes spin bowling much easier. However, this time, Noor will be one of the weakest links of the CSK team.
Noor was not useful for the Afghanistan team in the ICC T20 World Cup played on Indian pitches. Many runs were taken from him and the batsmen almost read them off his arm, which troubled the spinners. On the other hand, CSK will depend heavily on the Afghan spinner.
Prashant Veer
This young player from UP was bought by Chennai Super Kings management for a huge price of Rs 14.20 crore. They had released their most experienced all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja, and hence, wanted a replacement.
Jadeja is a unique cricketer and there is no alternative to this great Indian player. However, even if they wanted to pick someone, they should have picked players who had some experience.
20-year-old cricketer Prashant Veer will lack experience and have a heavy burden on him as he will have to step into the big and responsible shoes of Ravindra Jadeja.
This will be a potential weak link in the Chennai dugout, as he will miss the shots that Jadeja used to play. Veer’s batting will be a matter of concern, while his bowling may not be as effective as Jadeja’s economical spells in the middle overs.
ms dhoni
Chennai Super Kings management is not yet sure about MS Dhoni’s availability in IPL 2026, although they admitted that he will be available for all the games; His role has not been specified yet. It is also not certain whether Dhoni will be seen as an influential player or not.
Dhoni’s batting position will be dropped lower down the order, and he will mostly operate as a lower-order finisher. Although his experience will be of great use to the Super Kings, his age and fitness will be a question mark for the CSK team.
With Sanju Samson in the team, MS Dhoni will not be needed behind the stumps; However, if he is used as an impact player, the younger players will beat him in the race, as they require a player with fresh legs.
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