The IPL 2026 auction is right around the corner, just two weeks away, and the CSK top priorities are trumpet sound at the event on December 16, becoming the topic of discussion among the cricketing community. The 5-time champions Chennai Super Kings reset their strategy after an average performance in the league this year and will enter the auction with the second largest budget.
One priority of the CSK before the retention deadline was to get Sanju Samson which they achieved by trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals. One unexpected player from CSK auction list 2026 was the star bowler Matheesha Pathirana.
The remaining purse for the CSK in the mini auction is a whopping INR 43.4 crore. As they take steps for the reshuffle by looking at their top priorities at the IPL 2026 auction, we do a bit of reflecting on the CSK top priorities.
Which will be CSK Top Priorities At IPL 2026 Auction?
Chennai Super Kings did an exceptionally smart deal during last season already getting new top players for the injured ones. One of the significant features of their operation is the inclusion of the players of Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and Dewald Brevis, which has surely boosted their performance. And even the Sanju Samson trading has only contributed to the positive development.
On the flip side, they still have a couple of empty spots in the lineup. A hitter for the lower middle order from abroad, and spinning finger are the two least wanted by CSK. Although Nathan Ellis is on the list, they are still going to look for another quick overseas. Let us check the top priorities for CSK in the auction for every single requirement.
Overseas Middle Order Hitter
Cameron Green – The already in-demand Australian all-rounder is going to set the stage on fire with CSK and KKR being the main competitors. Green has earned the title of an excellent T20 player and can bat in several different spots of the batting order. He has the know-how of performing as a finisher in the IPL. He also possesses the capability to bowl right arm pace, which is why he is a valuable player. Among the two, CSK needs fewer players than KKR, thereby giving them more leeway to lock in Green.
Liam Livingstone – In case Green is not there, Liam Livingstone by the IPL 2026 sale could be one of the characters at CSK. The Englishman who had a very bad time with RCB this year has been successful in other leagues. He has the required expertise and know-how to be the finisher and may suit the Super Kings team.
David Miller – South African David Miller is also a possible CSK target player. He had quite a disappointing season for Lucknow Super Giants and was released. But he is a seasoned player with vast experience in the finishing role. He is able to deal with both spin and pace which makes him a good candidate for CSK.
Overseas Pace Bowler
Matt Henry – The New Zealand pacer should be at the top of the list for CSK when looking for a replacement for Pathirana. Matt Henry has been outstanding throughout different formats of the game and in various conditions. He has claimed 45 wickets in 28 innings in T20 cricket this year at an average of 7.33. He is known for his excellent new ball bowling, besides that he can also be effective during other phases.
Anrich Nortje – The South Africa fast bowler can be a good choice for CSK as the chief pacer. Anrich Nortje was not in his best form last season with KKR, facing injury and letting form issues. Though he recently made his comeback at the CSA T20 Challenge and has been doing great. CSK could target him for the role of a middle overs enforcer.
Matheesha Pathirana – Even though they let him go, it wouldn’t be a shock if the team tries to get him back in the mini auction. CSK had secured him before the mega auction in 2025 at 13 crores. The Lankan bowler has struggled but at his peak, there are hardly any better T20 bowlers around.
Finger Spinners
Akeal Hosein – The trade of Ravindra Jadeja would mean that one of the top priorities of CSK would be to look for a quality left-arm spinner. Akeal Hosein might thus very well be the top pick as someone who has already been seen playing at the sister franchises. He is a defensive bowler master who can make an impact even on Indian surfaces.
R Sanjay Yadav – Franchises did that to most of the high-caliber spinners in the country anyways. Which means that there are not many players left to be bought in the mini auction. R Sanjay Yadav can still be a pretty nice option because he comes with the all-round value that CSK is looking for. Other than his bowling, he is a brutal hitter in the middle and lower middle order.
