with ipl 2026 With the retention window officially closed, teams have turned their attention to the high-stakes mini-auction to be held in December. One of the franchises facing major changes Chennai Super Kings (CSK)Who faced a challenging 2025 season and now want to reshape their team ahead of the new campaign.
IPL 2026: Retention complete, auction preparations begin for CSK
CSK retained 16 players at the IPL 2026 retention deadline, which also includes legends like Dhoni. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dubeyand growing talent Ayush MhatreWhile these key names remain central to the franchise’s plans, the management took a bold decision by releasing 10 players, adding to the star cast Rachin Ravindra And devon conway,
In one of the biggest business moves of the retention window, CSK part ways Ravindra Jadeja And Sam CurranRajasthan Royals is sending the pair in return sanju samsonThe trade has opened up new avenues for squad balance, but has also created significant gaps in the lower middle-order and all-rounder department – areas CSK will look to strengthen in the December auction,
Irfan Pathan picks MS Dhoni’s batting position for next season
As the discussion about CSK’s new combination is gaining momentum, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been weighed ms dhoniThe batting position for the upcoming season insists the five-time IPL champion still holds an important role – but only at the right spot in the order. Dhoni’s own struggles last season – scoring sporadically and finishing with a strike rate of 135.17 in 14 matches – have become a topic of discussion, especially when the team finished bottom of the table.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan stressed that Dhoni should bat at No. 7 for CSK in IPL 2026, highlighting that the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman can no longer afford to slip further down the order.
“They will need a batsman at No. 6. I would like to see Dhoni bat at No. 7. He needs to bat at least at No. 7. He cannot bat at No. 8 or 9. If he does that, it is not beneficial for the team.” Pathan said.
Pathan said CSK should field a finisher at No. 6 – preferably someone like andre russell-While number 8 should be filled by a bowling all-rounder who can support both the departments. According to him, the right combination will not only ease the pressure on Dhoni but also provide the franchise with the depth and explosiveness needed in modern T20 cricket.
“With Dhoni at No. 7, you need an all-rounder at No. 8 who can bowl and bat. Ideally someone who can finish well is much better. So if you get a good finisher like Andre Russell at No. 6, you’re done. Then at No. 8, you can go for a bowling all-rounder.” Added Pathan.
Pathan shares CSK’s probable XI for IPL 2026
Pathan also suggested a provisional playing XI for CSK in IPL 2026, based on the franchise’s retention, releases and pending hiatus. While some positions are open and likely to be filled through the auction, the team composition they have proposed includes a mix of retained stars and strategic additions.
Irfan Pathan’s probable CSK XI for the next IPL season: Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dubey, ?, MS Dhoni, ?, Noor Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj/Mukesh Chaudhary (Impact Sub)
The uncertain slots at No. 6 and No. 8 are expected to be addressed after the auction ends, making these positions the most crucial for CSK.
Also read: IPL 2026 Retention – Devon Conway reacts after being released from CSK squad
