Former Indian batsman and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran Subramaniam Badrinath has presented a detailed blueprint for the upcoming franchise strategy Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Auction in Abu Dhabi. With CSK undergoing a significant team revamp after a difficult last season due to the departure of key stalwarts, Badrinath has identified several key areas that the team should focus on. He provided specific, high-value names that he believes are essential for the team to rebuild and contend for the title.
S Badrinath has identified three key players that CSK should target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
Spin crisis: Why a former world no. 1 is mandatory
Badrinath believes that CSK’s most urgent need is to fill the void left in the spin department after his retirement. Ravichandran Ashwin and business of Ravindra JadejaDue to which the cupboard is almost empty. The former batsman urged the franchise to do everything possible for the former world No. 1 T20I bowler.
On his YouTube channel, Badrinath specified his primary goal and the strategic logic behind the choice:
“He would be a great option, CSK will definitely target one. They are without two specialist spinners, Jadeja and Ashwin. So they definitely need a spinner, and Ravi Bishnoi will be a four-over bowler.”
Badrinath stressed the suitability of Ravi Bishnoi For their home ground:
“And the wrist spinners have been successful at the Chepauk Stadium. Noor Ahmed and Ravi Bishnoi will make a super combination. He will probably go at a higher price, but CSK will benefit if they buy him.”
Despite Bishnoi’s poor performance in the IPL 2025 season Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)Which led to his release, his proven wicket-taking ability and success on spin-friendly pitches make him an ideal replacement for the Super Kings’ long-term strategy.
Death bowling and middle-order strength: securing the finish
Apart from spin, Badrinath advised that the franchise should urgently fix its death-bowling problems and enhance its middle-order finishing abilities, especially with the addition of experienced players. He provided a clear list of options for both roles, emphasizing the non-negotiable need for a quality death-over specialist.
,CSK definitely needs a death bowler. Anrich Nortje is an excellent fast bowler who can bowl with the new ball and in the late overs. Gerald Coetzee, who has also previously played for Joburg Super Kings, would be a good option. CSK had also made a strong bid for him in the last auction. Buying Mathisha Pathirana back at a lower price would not be a bad option. But CSK needs a death bowler, for which they can choose one of these three options. Badrinath said, offering both established and familiar options.
After this, Badrinath shifted his focus to the batting order by naming the South African legend david miller Pointing to the franchise’s history of revitalizing veteran stars as a perfect finisher:
“David Miller is an intimidating last-overs player and a left-hander. He has also been playing well against spin recently. Yes, he is nearing the end of his career. But such players have done very well with CSK. Take Shane Watson, Robin Uthappa or Ajinkya Rahane. So David Miller will definitely fit in with CSK.” Badrinath ended.
Also read: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can target 5 players in the mini auction of IPL 2026
