with ipl 2026 With the mini-auction coming up in December, teams have started fine-tuning their final strategies after completing their retention lists. among them, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) They stand at a critical point in rebuilding after a disappointing season. The five-time champion has retained a compact core and now enters the auction with a big purse and clear fields. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif Now he has offered his insight on which bowlers CSK should chase in the upcoming auction, and named two domestic options who can strengthen their attack.
IPL 2026: Retention complete, auction countdown begins for CSK
CSK has retained 15 players before the IPL 2026 season, which includes these players ms dhonicaptain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dubey, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmed And others. The franchise opted for major changes, releasing several high-profile players such as Devon Conway and Mathisha Pathirana,
In one of the biggest trade deals before the auction, CSK sent Ravindra Jadeja And Sam Curran To Rajasthan Royals and brought in sanju samsonAdding both experience and flexibility to their top and middle order. With major changes in personnel, the upcoming auction becomes crucial for the Dhoni-backed team as they aim to rebuild a competitive XI.
Mohammad Kaif names two bowlers whom CSK can target in the IPL 2026 auction.
Kaif believes CSK should continue its tradition of supporting Indian bowlers – especially those who can thrive on the dry, slow surfaces of Chennai. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he chose Akash Madhwal As a strong contender for the Yellow Brigade.
“CSK may target Akash Madhwal in the IPL 2026 auction. He has reverse swing, which could prove helpful in Chennai. When the ball pitches, there is roughness because it is dry. Look, there is no Deshpande, Deepak Chahar, they support the Indian bowlers.” Kaif said.
Madhwal enjoys breakout season Mumbai Indians In 2023, took 14 wickets in eight matches, and 23 wickets in 17 IPL games overall. Rajasthan bought him for Rs 1.20 crore in 2025 but released him ahead of the 2026 auction, making him an attractive option for franchises looking for an Indian fast bowler with swing and death overs ability.
Kaif also suggested that CSK may consider securing Ravi Bishnoi, who has been released Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)The leg spinner has been a consistent wicket-taker in the league and can serve as a valuable weapon in the middle overs,
“Among the spinners, there are not a lot of options. Bishnoi can be cheap, so they can take him,” Kaif added.
Both Madhwal and Bishnoi provide skills suited for Chepauk conditions – reverse swing, control and aggressive spin – which Kaif believes can significantly strengthen CSK’s bowling assets.
CSK’s auction strategy: huge purse, clear target
The five-time champions enter the auction with a healthy purse of Rs 43.40 crore, the largest among all the teams. With nine available slots, including four overseas slots, CSK are expected to be aggressive at the auction table.
Given the financial flexibility, CSK could potentially bid higher for marquee players while strengthening their Indian bowling lineup. Fans can expect the franchise to invest heavily in proven performers as they attempt to assemble a squad capable of making a strong comeback in IPL 2026.
Also read: Irfan Pathan picks CSK legend MS Dhoni’s ideal batting position for IPL 2026
