What can CSK do to revive their fortunes in IPL 2026

How can Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bounce back in IPL 2026? What are the key areas to address ahead of next season?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) produced their worst IPL performance in the 2025 season. They were positioned last in the points table and a lot of things went wrong for them including losing their regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Moreover, they were plagued by the performance or lack of it from both batters and bowlers. 

However, there was a silver lining for them in this campaign. Once it was clear that CSK were out of the race for play-offs, they gave chance to youngsters who grabbed the opportunity with both hands and made their presence felt in the tournament. CSK have already started planning their core squad for the next season, and the loopholes they need to fill before the IPL 2026 auction. 

CSK, in fact, did well in the later stages of the tournament with the young players coming together to stitch a few wins to save them from embarrassment. However, a lot needs to be done before CSK can revive their fortunes for the next season.

Zero-in on their Top 3 batters 
Ayush Mhatre has reserved one of the opener’s spots after his heroics in IPL 2025. He has amassed 240 runs at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 188.97 with one fifty. He has impressed with his strokeplay and decimated the top bowling attacks of the season. 

The other opener’s spot is a toss up between New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway. Ravindra provides dual skills of opening and left-arm spin bowling, while Conway also provides a stable option at the top. However, both are grafters, and CSK might look for an opener who scores at a faster pace and complements Mhatre. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad could don the opener’s role, while either of Conway and Ravindra drops down to No 3 to anchor the innings. If Gaikwad plays at No 3, then either Ravindra or Conway could partner Mhatre at the top. It will be a difficult call for CSK to let go either of Conway or Ravindra. 

Read More: What CSK need to do to bolster their batting from IPL 2026 onwards? 

Find the perfect No 4 
Ravindra Jadeja was struggling lower down the order and hence, he was promoted to No 4 so that he can play his natural attacking game and control the innings. The move gave positive results as Jadeja played more freely at No 4. He scored 175 runs at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 145.83 at No 4 with two fifties. 

Earlier, at No 6 or 7, he had to play percentage cricket that put him under pressure. Hence, he performed below expectations. CSK might continue with Jadeja at No 4, hoping the spot will open him up to play more freely. 

Dewald Brevis to take up No 5 spot 
The South Africa batter Dewald Brevis got his chance later into the tournament, but he made his presence felt in the six games he played, hitting 225 runs at an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 161.94 with two fifties. 

It was his hard-hitting in the middle-overs that gave CSK the opportunity of winning a couple of matches in the business end of the tournament. His heroics helped them resolve their middle-order woes that plagued them in the first part of the tournament.

No 6 could see Shivam Dube or a new player
Shivam Dube is an interesting case where CSK would be unsure whether to release or retain him. He didn’t perform as per expectations compared to the earlier seasons. Although he scored 357 runs with a fifty, his strike rate dropped to 132.22 compared to the highs of 160s-170s in the last few seasons. But Dube’s six-hitting ability against spin in the middle-overs could push CSK to retain him. 

However, CSK would look for another good alternative to replace Dube in the 2026 IPL auction. They would be looking for a finisher that they missed this season dearly in the first phase of the tournament.

Read More: IPL 2025: MS Dhoni’s refusal to accept modern T20 template counter-productive for CSK

MS Dhoni retirement could solidify Urvil Patel’s place
If MS Dhoni does decide to end his IPL career, CSK would groom Urvil Patel to replace him. Even otherwise, CSK could use Patel as a floater as the keeper-batter has shown promise that he can tear apart any bowling attack. His strike rate amounts to 212.50 in the 3 matches he played this season, aggregating 68 runs. 

Gaikwad to retain captaincy hat
CSK would look to continue with Gaikwad as skipper. Dhoni as a captain was a stop-gap arrangement this season after the regular skipper was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. So, even if Dhoni returns for next season, Gaikwad would get his position back as captain.

Spinners: Noor Ahmad & a new player 
The Afghanistan spinner, Noor Ahmad, has surpassed expectations with his exploits on the field this season, taking 24 wickets at an average of 17 in 14 matches. However, he lacked a supporting spin partner at the other end. With Jadeja just looking to contain batters, Noor waged a lone battle as a strike spin bowler. 

Ravichandran Ashwin is set to get a boot as the off-spinner looks past his prime. Ashwin managed just 7 wickets in nine games, and leaked runs. CSK would hunt for a quality overseas/home spinner to partner Ahmad for the next season for sure. 

Read More: Reap what you sow: CSK suffering in IPL 2025 due to auction strategy failure

Weather in CSK’s pace contingent 
Khaleel Ahmed started the season brilliantly, but lost his rhythm in the business end of the tournament. He took 15 wickets, averaging 29.80 in 14 matches this season. However, CSK would continue with Khaleel as the left-arm bowler has shown promise and potential that the franchise would look to exploit next season. 

Matheesha Pathirana had a forgettable season by his standards, bagging 13 wickets in 10 games. However, Pathirana holds a lot of promise, and only if he gets his line and length consistent, he can be a dangerous bowler at the death. He still holds the key to CSK’s pace bowling unit and is likely to be retained next season. 

Lastly, Anshul Kamboj remained the find of the season. He impressed with his pace coupled with good line and length. He picked up 8 wickets in eight matches. He is likely to be retained for the next season. 

But, CSK need a quality pace bowler who can bowl well with the new ball and proves handy at the death as well. CSK would hunt for an overseas bowler who could complement Khaleel with the new ball, and even bowl well in tandem with Pathirana in the death. 

Read More: CSK re-appoint MS Dhoni as skipper; What does it say about their succession plan?