5 Critical Approach Changes For CSK In IPL 2026 And Their Ideal Playing XI

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

MS Dhoni in IPL 2025 [Source: AP Photos]MS Dhoni in IPL 2025 [Source: AP Photos]

After their disappointing 2025 IPL campaign with just 2 wins from first 10 matches, Chennai Super Kings need more than just personnel changes. Here are five strategic approach shifts that could transform their fortunes in IPL 2026:

1. Aggressive Powerplay Batting Philosophy

CSK's powerplay run rate of 7.49 in IPL 2025 was significantly below what top teams achieved. They need to:

  • Instruct openers to target a minimum run rate of 9.00 in the first six overs
  • Identify and attack specific bowlers rather than taking a conservative approach against all bowlers
  • Accept the occasional early wicket as the cost of establishing momentum

2. Specialized Phase-Based Bowling Plans

CSK's bowling attack lacked clear role definition in 2025, resulting in poor performance across all phases:

  • Designate specific bowlers for specific phases instead of generalists
  • Use Gus Atkinson (or other pacer bought in mini auction) and Khaleel Ahmed exclusively in the powerplay with attacking fields
  • Reserve Noor Ahmad primarily for middle overs (7-14) against right-handed batsmen
  • Establish Jadeja as the containment specialist during middle overs

3. Middle Overs Acceleration Strategy

CSK's middle overs run rate (6.82) was their biggest batting weakness, creating pressure for late-order batsmen:

  • Create a defined "middle overs attack" window (overs 11-15) where Dewald Brevis and Dube are instructed to target spin
  • Develop specific match-ups against opposition spinners rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
  • Maintain left-right batting combinations throughout the middle phase
  • Implement a "two boundaries per over" target during the acceleration phase

4. Dynamic Impact Player Utilization

CSK's use of the Impact Player rule was reactive rather than strategic in 2025:

  • Pre-designate specific Impact Player scenarios before each match based on opposition
  • Create specialized "batting impact" and "bowling impact" options for different match situations
  • Use the Impact Player to create favourable match-ups
  • Establish clear batting positions for Impact Players rather than floating roles

5. Match-Specific Tactical Flexibility

CSK's approach in 2025 was overly formulaic, failing to adapt to different opposition strengths and conditions:

  • Develop three distinct game plans (defensive, balanced, aggressive) to be selected based on opposition, pitch, and conditions
  • Create custom batting orders for specific match scenarios rather than rigid positions
  • Implement a "power surge" strategy where two designated batters increase strike rotation against identified weaker bowlers
  • Use real-time analytics during matches to identify and exploit emerging patterns
  • Establish a tactical leadership group beyond just the captain to drive in-game adjustments

CSK's Ideal Playing XI for IPL 2026

  • Matt Short ✈️ - Aggressive opener & off-spin bowler
  • Ayush Mhatre - Explosive Indian opener
  • Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain) - Technical anchor at number 3
  • Dewald Brevis  ✈️ - Middle-order enforcer
  • Shivam Dube - Power-hitting middle-order batsman
  • Ravindra Jadeja - Spin all-rounder
  • MS Dhoni (WK)- Wicketkeeper-finisher
  • Anshul Kamboj - Indian pace bowler
  • Khaleel Ahmed - Indian left-arm pacer
  • Noor Ahmad  ✈️ - Left-arm wrist spinner
  • Gus Atkinson ✈️ - Versatile pace bowling option

Impact Player Options

  • Vijay Shankar - Batting all-rounder option 
  • Shreyas Gopal - Leg-spin bowling option 
  • Shaik Rasheed - Technical batting option
  • Vansh Bedi - Middle Order Aggressor
  • Kamles Nagarkoti - Express pace option 
  • C Andre Siddharth - Attacking young batter 

This combination of strategic changes and personnel adjustments addresses the specific weaknesses that plagued CSK in IPL 2025, creating a more balanced, dynamic, and tactically sound approach for 2026.