CSK's Strongest XI In IPL 2026

AFP [{ "selector": ".xkego-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "80%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".jjroz-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-327px)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made some big changes heading into IPL 2026. Let's build their strongest-possible XII (including Impact Player):

AFP [{ "selector": ".iwzto-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".jiwbj-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 473px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".pbpbq-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

1. Sanju Samson

India's T20 World Cup-winning star was traded in ahead of the season, and is a no-brainer pick.

BCCI [{ "selector": ".ejkxd-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".afasx-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 474px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".pwipu-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

2. Ayush Mhatre

The U19 World Cup-winning captain is expected to carry momentum through to IPL 2026.

BCCI [{ "selector": ".kmopd-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".mmkud-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 476px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".mdfxe-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)

Gaikwad will likely slot in at No. 3 and also re-assume captaincy duties this season.

BCCI [{ "selector": ".griup-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".rrklr-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 475px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".sunpd-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

4. Dewald Brevis

The South African star impressed in the latter half of IPL 2025, and is tipped to have a breakout year.

BCCI [{ "selector": ".mtopf-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".fwlmq-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 474px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".qeqig-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

5. Shivam Dube

Fresh off his T20 World Cup heroics, Dube could have a key role to play with both bat and ball.

BCCI [{ "selector": ".cwdww-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".ftxbw-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 476px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".zzlte-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

6. Kartik Sharma

One of two Rs 14.20 crore signings, the 19-year-old wicket-keeper batter is likely to start.

X (Twitter) [{ "selector": ".pcxom-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".nfqcg-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 476px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".ekspi-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

7. Prashant Veer

Also bought for Rs 14.20 crore, all-rounder Veer is expected to fill Ravindra Jadeja's shoes.

X (Twitter) [{ "selector": ".jqwxw-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".oeqgx-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 476px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".lkaqb-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

8. MS Dhoni (wk)

Even at 44, Dhoni's leadership, finishing and wicket-keeping skills will be a huge asset to CSK.

AFP [{ "selector": ".ijiuc-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".iiacd-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 476px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".qqmmf-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

9. Anshul Kamboj

Kamboj showed glimpses of potential in 2025, and should get a long run of faith in IPL 2026.

BCCI [{ "selector": ".dtxbt-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".uzond-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 476px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".pbfeu-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

10. Nathan Ellis

The Australian has been in fine form of late and should spearhead the pace attack.

AFP [{ "selector": ".tkppt-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".qfner-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 476px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".ropuj-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

11. Noor Ahmad

Noor picked up 24 wickets in IPL 2025 and CSK will rely on him to be their strike bowler again.

BCCI [{ "selector": ".awbcr-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".zbkco-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 476px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".akiuf-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

12. Khaleel Ahmed

The five-time champions will bank on Khaleel to provide wickets in the powerplay.

BCCI [{ "selector": ".ejddj-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-364.44295302013415px)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible" }, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".gmmtu-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 476px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".sinou-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "50%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

For more sports news

AFP [{ "selector": ".laldr-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "88%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".xpzes-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".txoxp-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".abubn-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "100%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }] sports.ndtv.com

CSK's Strongest XI In IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made some big changes heading into IPL 2026. Let's build their strongest-possible XII (including Impact Player):

1. Sanju SamsonIndia's T20 World Cup-winning star was traded in ahead of the season, and is a no-brainer pick.

2. Ayush MhatreThe U19 World Cup-winning captain is expected to carry momentum through to IPL 2026.

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)Gaikwad will likely slot in at No. 3 and also re-assume captaincy duties this season.

4. Dewald BrevisThe South African star impressed in the latter half of IPL 2025, and is tipped to have a breakout year.

5. Shivam DubeFresh off his T20 World Cup heroics, Dube could have a key role to play with both bat and ball.

6. Kartik SharmaOne of two Rs 14.20 crore signings, the 19-year-old wicket-keeper batter is likely to start.

7. Prashant VeerAlso bought for Rs 14.20 crore, all-rounder Veer is expected to fill Ravindra Jadeja's shoes.

8. MS Dhoni (wk)Even at 44, Dhoni's leadership, finishing and wicket-keeping skills will be a huge asset to CSK.

9. Anshul KambojKamboj showed glimpses of potential in 2025, and should get a long run of faith in IPL 2026.

10. Nathan EllisThe Australian has been in fine form of late and should spearhead the pace attack.

11. Noor AhmadNoor picked up 24 wickets in IPL 2025 and CSK will rely on him to be their strike bowler again.

12. Khaleel AhmedThe five-time champions will bank on Khaleel to provide wickets in the powerplay.