Vibe in one line

Not the same CSK, but still very much CSK

What's changed in 2026

When CSK returned to the IPL in 2018, they were labelled the 'Dad's Army,' with many questioning their preference for experience over youth. They answered back with three titles in the span of six years. However, failure to make it to the playoffs in the last two seasons has now forced a seismic shift in policy.

MS Dhoni remains, but the squad now has a youthful look. Having already integrated Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis mid season in 2025, CSK splurged INR 14.2 cr each on 19-year-old Kartik Sharma and 20-year-old Prashant Veer. Consequently, four players under the age of 22 will likely feature in CSK's top 7, highlighting their big call.

Not to forget the addition of Sanju Samson to the top of the order which resulted in the team parting ways with one of their all-time greats, Ravindra Jadeja.

Team Identity

CSK have realised the need for exuberance in their batting unit in the era of the Impact Player and flat decks around the country at this time of the year. Depth in the batting department has been prioritised and even the change in the nature of decks at the Chepauk, witnessed during the T20 World Cup, signals a far more proactive approach with the bat for the five-time champions. It's an approach that isn't entirely new for them.

Core XII (if all fit)

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

Injury/Availability Watch

Nathan Ellis getting ruled out of the tournament is a significant blow for CSK. Matthew Short also sustained an injury but has now joined the squad ahead of the tournament. CSK will most likely not require his services right at the start at least.

What they do better than most

Powerplay bowling

Only the champions (RCB) had a better dot-ball percentage than CSK in 2025. Khaleel Ahmed was instrumental in that for them, taking the joint-most (10) wickets in that phase last season. This time he could be complemented by Matt Henry or even Akeal Hosein, both of whom are shrewd operators with the new ball.

A player that changes their ceiling

Sanju Samson

A drawn-out saga during the off season finally resulted in Samson switching colours. With him, Samson brings in some spark, sky-high confidence and a huge fan base to add to CSK's popularity.

Samson's fortunes recently with the Indian team shifted from one end to another. But to CSK's liking, it switched to the right side just in time for the tournament. Buoyed by his T20 World Cup success where he was also the Player of the Tournament, Samson will be expected to turn CSK's fortunes around at the top of the order in the Powerplay where they were one of the worst performing sides in the last two seasons.

What could trip them up

Lack of bowling quality at the death

Needless to say, there was an over-reliance on Ellis the moment CSK decided to release Matheesha Pathirana. And now with the Australian bowler getting ruled out, CSK will have to come up with alternatives at the death. Some of their top pace bowlers are more suited to make an impact with the new ball.

The one(s) to watch

Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre

These two injected some life into CSK's campaign towards the end of the 2025 season after coming in as replacements. They have both grown further in strength. Brevis is now a regular in South Africa's set up and had recently scored a scintillating century in the SA20 final. He will be one of CSK's key finishers this time. Mhatre on the other hand might also have a role to play with the ball in IPL 2026 with CSK not having a designated off spinner in their primary XI.

One game to circle

The early trip to Bengaluru on April 5 to take on the defending champions. The rivalry this fixture carries is well-documented. However, CSK's stranglehold on RCB at the Chinnaswamy has somewhat lessened in recent times. To add to that, RCB's status as the defending champions adds a lot more spice to the contest.