Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the IPL's most iconic franchises owned by India Cements, have won five IPL championships (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023), establishing themselves as a powerhouse with a legacy of resilience and strategic brilliance under MS Dhoni's leadership. Known for their yellow brigade and home ground at MA Chidambaram Stadium, CSK embody consistency and fan loyalty.

In IPL 2025, CSK finished seventh, missing the playoffs amid a mid-season slump. Key highlights included Ruturaj Gaikwad's consistent opening and Shivam Dube's explosive cameos, but injuries and form dips led to an uneven campaign, exposing bowling vulnerabilities.

Ahead of IPL 2026, CSK retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and Noor Ahmad, blending experience with youth. They released Devon Conway, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Rachin Ravindra to rebuild. Strengths include a solid top order, Dhoni's finishing nous, and spin options via Noor Ahmad; weaknesses lie in pace bowling depth and all-round balance post-releases.

With a substantial auction purse of ₹120 Cr, CSK should target Matheesha Pathirana for his slingy yorkers to reclaim death-over prowess, Wanindu Hasaranga for leg-spin variety and batting, and Devon Conway to reunite their reliable opener, bolstering batting stability.