IPL 2026 mini auction: Problems CSK need to address to win their 6th IPL title

Problems CSK need to address [Source: @IPLT20.COM]

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a horrendous Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season as the team had plenty of problems and they finished at the bottom of the table with 4 wins out of 14. The side has not won a league title in two years, and perhaps, the upcoming mini auction could change things for the Yellow Army.

The mini auction, which is set to take place in December, allows CSK to fill in the loopholes and build a strong squad for the upcoming 2026 IPL season. The franchise already started their rebuild last season with the purchase of Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre in the second half of the season, but they still have plenty of problems to address in mini auction.

Middle order woes needs addressing

It won’t be an understatement to say that CSK have an interesting top 3 for next season, with Urvil Patel, Ayush Mhatre opening the innings and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad at number 3 to provide solidity. The number 4 slot is also settled as Dewald Brevis made that spot his own with his brilliance in IPL 2025.

However, the number 5, and 6 spot is a bit of concern for the CSK side. They have Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja in the squad, but the duo looked out of sorts last season as the franchise suffered.

Moreover, the likes of Deepak Hooda and Vijay Shankar also don't provide any assurance.

(CSK's middle order woes)

• Shivam Dube, who has been a key member of the CSK side since the 2022 season, but last season, he had an average campaign as his strike rate took a massive blow. Ravindra Jadeja was tried at number 4, and 5, and surprisingly, he had a decent campaign and was one of their best batters.
• Vijay Shankar and Deepak Hooda also had mediocre campaigns as the team desperately lacked a middle order batter who could score runs at a rapid pace.

Team needs Dhoni's successor

The 2025 season was painstaking for the CSK legend, MS Dhoni. His strike rate dipped in the season (135), and the batter lacked the finishing abilities as CSK faltered in numerous matches. There were matches when MSD was at the crease, but with him not getting any younger, the hand-eye coordination decreased and the keeper failed to cross the finishing line.

The legendary batter will play the 2026 season, but for a long-term prospect, CSK needs his replacement.

Bowling lacks cutting-edge

Only Khaleel Ahmed and Noor Ahmad delivered the goods for the team, and the rest of the bowlers had a mediocre campaign. One of the disappointing bowlers was Matheesha Pathirana, who had an under-par campaign.

(Pathirana in IPL 2025)

• Pathirana, who has been a star for CSK, looked like a pale shadow of his former self in 2025 season. He picked 13 wickets, but the conomy rate reached nearly 11 runs per over as the team needs a wicket-taking bowler.

CSK's gameplay during IPL 2026 mini auction

• The team needs to address a few areas. If they release the unwanted players like Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, and Deepak Hooda, they need depth for the number 5, and 6 spot. Moreover, they also need a long-term prospect to replace MS Dhoni, who is not getting any younger.
• Also, with the bowling lacing a cutting-edge, the CSK franchise needs a wicket-taking pacer who could provide support to Khaleel Ahmed, who was the lead CSK pacer in 2025.

Final verdict

There are 3 major concerns for CSK that they need to resolve in the mini auction. A solid middle order batter who could play explosive knocks, a finisher to support MSD and a wicket-taker who could help Khaleel.

If the franchise solves them in the auction, they have a solid chance to reclaim the IPL title in 2026.

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