3 CSK IPL auction buys who might not play a single match in 2026 season

Sakshi Sharma

Short might not get a game for CSK in IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]Short might not get a game for CSK in IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is done and dusted in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made headlines by investing heavily in two uncapped Indian players. The five-time champions paid a massive ₹14.20 crore each for all-rounder Prashant Veer and wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma.

The duo became the joint-highest paid uncapped players in IPL auction history. Both players had a base price of just ₹30 lakh. Ahead of the auction, CSK retained a strong core, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis and Noor Ahmad among others. They also traded in Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals.

Having said that, here are three players who might struggle to get even a single game for CSK in IPL 2026.

Akeal Hosein

  • West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein was bought by CSK for ₹2 crore at the auction. While Hosein is an experienced T20 player, his chances of making the playing XI is difficult.
  • Historically, CSK and most IPL teams prefer Indian spinners on Indian pitches, especially when overseas slots are limited. With CSK investing heavily in young uncapped all-rounder Prashant Veer, the franchise will likely back the domestic talent and groom him for the future.
  • Moreover, CSK already has several overseas players who are almost certain starters, including Noor Ahmad, Dewald Brevis, Matt Henry, and Nathan Ellis. Given this overseas competition and team combination, Hosein could end up warming the bench throughout the season.

Matthew Short

  • Matthew Short was picked up by CSK for ₹1.50 crore. He was previously featured for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2023 but failed to cement his place.
  • Once again, the major hurdle for Short is the overseas quota. CSK already has strong overseas options across departments. Brevis adds explosiveness in the middle order, Noor Ahmad leads the spin attack, while Henry and Ellis cover the pace department.
  • With Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and other Indian batters already forming a settled batting unit, it will be difficult for CSK to accommodate Matthew Short unless injuries strike. As things stand, he appears to be a backup option rather than a first-choice player.

Zakary Foulkes

  • CSK bought New Zealand pacer Zakary Foulkes for ₹75 lakh. The 23-year-old has an impressive T20 record, with 73 wickets in 63 matches and useful lower-order batting ability. 
  • However, Foulkes is seen mainly as a backup new-ball bowler. CSK already has a strong Indian pace contingent in Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj, along with overseas pacers Matt Henry and Nathan Ellis.
  • Given the team balance and preference for Indian bowlers in home conditions, Foulkes may not find a place in the playing XI unless there are injuries or workload management concerns.