The new IPL season often begins with hope, but sometimes it also starts with questions. Can a team that finished last suddenly look like contenders again? That is the puzzle around the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings ahead of their opener against Rajasthan Royals. With fresh faces, key absences, and tactical tweaks, CSK’s probable XI offers clues to their intent but not all answers. What unfolds in Guwahati could set the tone early.
CSK enters IPL 2026 with a reshaped core. Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to lead after injury, while Sanju Samson headlines a major shift at the top. The franchise has backed youth and recent form, blending it with experience. However, a setback looms early. MS Dhoni is set to miss the opening games due to a calf injury, forcing a rethink in balance and leadership on the field.
Top Order
At the top, Samson is expected to open alongside Gaikwad, a move confirmed internally. Samson, despite a tough run with the bat for most of the year, redeemed himself in the recently concluded T20 World Cup by winning the Player of the Tournament award and playing a key role in India’s successful title defence. This pushes young Ayush Mhatre to number three, who was one of the biggest finds of IPL 2025 and India U-19 skipper Ayush Mhatre.
Middle Order
The middle order looks stable with Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis, both coming off strong international outings. Dube can hit a long-ball accompanied by Brevis, who is yet to make a name for himself in IPL can control the mid-phase and get into the slog overs.
Finishers
CSK are likely to slot in Prashant Veer as a like-for-like replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, who was traded to RR, as Veer is also a left-handed batter and spinner. Veer will be ably supported by Dube/Brevis, whoever stays till the end.
Bowlers
The bowling unit will revolve around Noor Ahmad as the lead spinner, supported by pace options Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, and Anshul Kamboj. With Nathan Ellis being ruled out for the full-season, Anshul Kamboj can be a replacement as the third pacer of the side, who had a good domestic season in 2025.
Read More : IPL 2026: Probable Playing 11 of RR vs CSK
Playing XI
Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (WK), Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad(C), Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube , Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed
