The IPL 2026 auction is expected to be competitive, with several experienced players and fresh talents entering the pool. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), known for their smart auction approach and calm decision-making, will likely target cricketers who can fit into their structured style.
With some long-term squad gaps to fill, especially after transitions in leadership and player roles, CSK may look for all-rounders, overseas opener, and death-over bowlers. Here are five realistic players CSK could go after, each of them offers a different skill set that can strengthen the team for the 2026 and future seasons.
5) Venkatesh Iyer – Indian All-Rounder With Finishing and Bowling Ability
Venkatesh Iyer could be a strategic Indian pick. A tall left-handed batter who can play aggressively, he brings versatility to the lineup. He can open or bat in the middle order, the role he has successfully played in domestic cricket and IPL.
Most importantly, he bowls medium pace, which will add depth to CSK’s all-rounder options. In a tournament like IPL, having Indian players who can contribute in more than one role helps teams use overseas slots more effectively.
Iyer also fits well into CSK’s long-term team-building plan because he’s relatively young and can be developed over multiple seasons.
4) Adam Zampa – An Experienced Spin Option for Middle Overs
Spin bowling has always been a big part of CSK’s success. Even though they have strong options, adding a specialist leg-spinner like Adam Zampa gives them more attacking options in the middle overs.
Adam Zampa is known for his control, smart variations, and picking important wickets by creating pressure. On a turning pitch like Chepauk, he can become a game-changing bowler.
While some leg-spinners give away runs but still take wickets, Zampa brings both tight bowling and regular breakthroughs, something CSK always looks for.
Another advantage is his vast international and league experience. Zampa understands different match situations and doesn’t panic under pressure, fitting the calm CSK culture.
3) Quinton de Kock – Left-Handed Opener and Reliable Wicketkeeper
Quinton de Kock is a proven T20 opener with years of experience in IPL and international cricket. CSK have often preferred openers who can stay calm, build the innings, and accelerate during field restrictions. De Kock checks all those boxes.
His left-handed batting also brings variety to the lineup, which helps against match-ups like right-arm off-spinners. In addition, he is a reliable wicketkeeper.
With the opening position requiring stability and aggression, De Kock’s consistency and attacking mindset make him one of the most valuable names CSK could target.
2) Anrich Nortje – Express Pace for Powerplay and Death Overs
One area CSK has sometimes lacked is raw pace. Anrich Nortje brings that plenty. Considered one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, Nortje regularly clocks speeds above 150 km/h. His ability to take wickets early with the new ball and bowl yorkers in the death overs makes him a strong target.
CSK already have experienced spinners and all-rounders, but to win crucial matches, especially on flat pitches, they need a bowler who can scare batters with pace. Nortje’s short-ball threat and sharp bounce give Chennai a weapon they currently don’t have.
If he is available in the auction, CSK may be tempted to invest heavily because bowlers like him are rare, and his style fits well with T20 pressure situations.
1) Liam Livingstone – A Power-Hitter Who Offers Flexibility
Liam Livingstone is one of the most explosive batters available in T20 cricket. Known for his ability to hit sixes from the first ball, he can change the game in just a few overs. CSK has traditionally relied on anchor-based batting backed by finishers, but in recent seasons they have needed more power in the middle order.
Livingstone fills that gap perfectly. Apart from batting, Livingstone also bowls useful off-spin and leg-spin depending on the match-up. This makes him a flexible option in spin-friendly Chennai conditions.
For CSK, a player who can perform two roles is always valuable because it helps them maintain balance even if they play multiple overseas players.
Why These Five Fit CSK’s Approach
CSK follow a clear recruitment pattern: players must fit a role and stay calm under pressure. All five players listed offer key skills CSK currently need:
● Power hitting: Liam Livingstone
● Express pace: Anrich Nortje
● Left-hand opening and keeping: Quinton de Kock
● Reliable spin control: Adam Zampa
● Indian all-round depth: Venkatesh Iyer
CSK rarely chase only big names, they chase balance. These five names help create a strong combination of experience, flexibility, and match-winning potential.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 auction is not just about signing stars, it’s about building a sustainable team for the next cycle. Chennai Super Kings will likely target cricketers who fit their system, bring experience, and solve specific on-field needs.
If CSK secures even two or three from this list, they could build a squad ready for another strong playoff push.
Written by Kinjal Walantra