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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have already started planning for the upcoming IPL 2027, and a homegrown star has reportedly topped their wish list. After another disappointing 2026 season and some costly decisions that failed to deliver results, CSK are now looking for a reliable all-rounder who can strengthen the team after parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja.
The five-time IPL champions are going through a transition, having failed to make the playoffs since winning the trophy in 2023. In the recent season they finished 8th in the table. Nevertheless, CSK have continued to play with Stephen Fleming despite a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign.
CSK eyes Shahbaz Ahmed ahead of IPL 2027 auction
Cricblogger’s report has revealed that Chennai Super Kings is eyeing Bengal’s Shahbaz Ahmed. The experienced all-rounder has built a strong reputation in domestic cricket and the IPL, where he was already a part of big teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The Bengal all-rounder is currently part of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise. However, CSK believe that Shahbaz can provide balance and versatility. However, bringing Shahbaz to Chennai will not be easy as the Lucknow Super Giants setup is reluctant to let him go.
It has been said in the report that discussions are going on regarding the deal. CSK showed interest in Shahbaz Ahmed, but Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma failed to live up to expectations as they had invested heavily in the young talent in the hope of building for the future.
LSG reluctant to part ways with Shahbaz Ahmed
As a result, the Chennai Super Kings team management is now looking towards players with proven experience. Shahbaz fits that requirement perfectly. Apart from contributing with both bat and ball, he has also shown leadership qualities that have caught everyone’s attention.
Shahbaz recently led Shrachi Rrah Tigers to the Bengal T20 Championship title for the first time. This feat was even more impressive considering that the team had struggled badly the previous season before things turned around under his captaincy.
Over the years, Shahbaz has developed into a reliable all-rounder who can contribute in a number of situations and provide stability to any side. Well, Lucknow Supergiants are standing firm and there is no agreement between them and CSK regarding the Shahbaz Ahmed deal.
Shahbaz Ahmed’s IPL career
Meanwhile, Shahbaz Ahmed has become one of the most useful all-rounders in the IPL. The left-arm spinner plays an important role, be it taking important wickets, scoring quick runs in the lower order or saving runs in the field.
He was a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2020 to 2023. During his time with RCB, the all-rounder produced several memorable performances, including a match-changing spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In 2024, he moved to SRH and was instrumental in taking the team to the IPL final, where they lost the trophy to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Later, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) signed Shahbaz in the 2025 mega auction and retained him for the next season. So far, he has played 63 IPL matches, where he has scored 603 runs, taken 27 wickets and held 21 catches, proving his value as a reliable all-rounder.