IPL 2026: Top 5 Batters CSK Could Target in IPL 2026 Mini Auction

The IPL 2026 mini auction is just around the corner, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be hoping to bring in some solid players. With a few senior players likely to retire soon, the team might look for young talent and some experienced all-rounders to keep their winning streak alive.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) delivered the worst-ever performance as they finished the IPL 2025 at the bottom of the table for the first time in 18 years. Known for their stability, CSK were forced to use five different opening combinations and a total of 25 players across the season. With uncertainty over MS Dhoni’s participation in the upcoming edition, the franchise would want to fill the void of a batter who can hit sixes at will and provide final flourishes down the order.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
| Player | Nationality | Role | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Maxwell | Australia | All-Rounder | Explosive batter |
| Shardul Thakur | India | All-Rounder | Batting depth |
| Jonny Bairstow | England | WK-Batter | Aggressive batting |
| Jason Holder | West Indies | All-Rounder | Seam bowling |
| Sikandar Raza | Zimbabwe | All-Rounder | Spin versatility |
IPL 2025: 5 Batters CSK Could Target in IPL 2026 Mini Auction
Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell is one of the most exciting all-rounders in T20 cricket. He’s known for his fearless and unpredictable batting, often turning a match around in just a few overs. Along with his explosive batting, he also bowls useful off-spin, which makes him even more valuable in the shorter format. While he’s had some ups and downs in the IPL, his recent performances for Australia in T20s have shown that he’s still a big match-winner. For a team like CSK, he could be a great fit in the middle order and also chip in with the ball, especially on the spin-friendly pitches in Chennai.
Batting Stats
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 141 | 17 | 2819 | 95 | 23.89 | 1817 | 155.15 | 0 | 18 | 237 | 161 | 52 | 0 |
Bowling Stats
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | WKTS | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 141 | 1022 | 1413 | 41 | 2/15 | 34.46 | 8.30 | 24.93 | 0 | 0 |
Shardul Thakur
The second player who could be a target for CSK next season is former player Shardul Thakur. Thakur, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, was later signed by Lucknow Super Giants due to Mohsin Khan's injury, replacing him for the season. Thakur, who was trying to prove himself during the season, performed exceptionally well and was one of the team's best bowlers. Given his recent season performance and overall form, he could be in high demand for the next season, and CSK, having previous experience with him, would likely look to acquire him again.
| Matches | Innings (Bat) | Runs | Highest Score | 100s/50s | Bat Avg | Bat SR | Innings (Bowl) | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | 42 | 325 | 68 | 0 / 1 | 11.61 | 139.48 | 105 | 100+ | 4/34 |
Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow is a powerful top-order batter who plays with an aggressive mindset, often giving his team explosive starts. He also offers flexibility by playing as a wicketkeeper, giving any franchise an extra option in team combinations. His experience in the IPL with franchises such as Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings has proven his ability to handle subcontinental conditions. If CSK decides to revamp its batting lineup, Bairstow could be a game-changer, especially at Chepauk, where his attacking approach can help counter spin early in the innings.
Batting Stats
| Matches | Runs | Wickets | Fifties | Hundreds | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 1,674 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 114 |
Sikandar Raza
Sikandar Raza is one of the few Zimbabwe players to take part in the auctions. The all-rounder has been doing well and might finally land a contract in IPL. Raza would be the perfect backup for Moeen Ali. While Raza can bat at No.3 or No.4, at Chepauk, the cricketer can provide four overs of off-spin. He is an experienced campaigner and for INR 50L, he would be a decent investment for the franchise.
Batting Stats
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 9 | 2 | 182 | 57 | 26.00 | 133.82 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 8 |
Jason Holder
Jason Holder brings balance to any T20 side with his ability to bowl tight overs and hit big at the death. The tall West Indian all-rounder has been a consistent performer in global T20 leagues and has delivered in crunch moments. For CSK, which traditionally values calm, experienced players, Holder could be a key asset both as a bowler in the powerplay and at the death, while also contributing with the bat in the lower order. His all-round credentials and leadership experience make him an ideal target in the upcoming mini auction.
Batting Stats
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 26 | 3 | 189 | 47* | 14.54 | 156 | 121.15 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 0 |
Bowling Stats
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | WKTS | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 26 | 575 | 786 | 35 | 4/52 | 22.46 | 8.20 | 16.43 | 1 | 0 |
CSK Squad 2025
Batters: MS Dhoni (WK-Batter), Dewald Brevis, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Shaik Rasheed, Vansh Bedi (WK-Batter), Andre Siddarth, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel (WK-Batter).
All-Rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Ravichandran Ashwin, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, Anshul Kamboj, Deepak Hooda, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube.
Bowlers: Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Matheesha Pathirana.
ALSO SEE: KKR’s 2026 IPL Auction Strategy: 8 Potential Player Releases to Free Up ₹48.65 Crore
A dedicated cricket content writer with a proven track record at The Cricket Winner, I deliver sharp, reliable coverage of match-day news, previews, and in-depth analysis. My expertise extends to Dream11/fantasy‑cricket content, offering data-driven player stats, insightful tips, and strategy-focused predictions that resonate with fans and fantasy players alike. Combining a keen eye for detail with editorial rigor, I’m committed to producing engaging, high‑accuracy content that builds trust and readership.
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