In 2018, CSK returned from a two-year ban and preferred to choose experienced players over youth. At that time, there were a lot of speculations about whether CSK could manage with these players. They were defiant and answered that question with three titles in just six years.
But, for the last two seasons, they have been unable to make it to the playoffs. That has triggered a policy change at the heart of CSK.
MS Dhoni still remains a key player for CSK, but now the primary players have a youthful appearance. They’ve already integrated Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis in the mid-2025 season.
This year, CSK went all-in for youngsters 19-year-old Kartik Sharma and 20-year-old Prashant Veer, and paid INR 14.2 cr each. By the induction of these players, CSK could potentially feature four under-22 players in their top 7 this year.
Also, Sanju Samson is a part of the CSK top order now. However, his addition resulted in the team losing out on a player like Ravindra Jadeja.
It looks like the CSK think tank has realised that they need exuberance in their batting unit in this era of flat decks in the IPL. The game now requires players to introspect and add depth to their batting.
Primary Batting XI for This Year (CSK)
Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni (wk), Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed
These players will most likely feature in CSK games if all of them remain fully fit by the time IPL starts. Nathan Ellis being ruled out of IPL 2026 is a massive blow for CSK. Matthew Short is also injured but has joined the CSK camp.
CSK have excellent powerplay bowlers. Khaleel Ahmad had a great last season as a power-play bowler. This year, he will be supported by Matt Henry or even Akeal Hosein.
At the end of last year’s campaign, Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre had injected some life into CSK’s flailing body. Since then, both players have gone from strength to strength in their respective domestic and international careers. Brewis is now a regular for South Africa and scored a brilliant century in the SA20 final.
