IPL auction: Released MI and RCB players whom CSK might target for 2026 season

Debashis Sarangi

Lungi Ngidi has played for CSK in the past [Source: AFP]Lungi Ngidi has played for CSK in the past [Source: AFP]

On November 15, ten IPL teams submitted their respective retention lists ahead of the 2026 mini auction. While Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained a majority of their core group, Chennai Super Kings kept nine slots open for new additions to their setup during the auction. 

As the three most-followed teams have revealed their retention lists, here are the released players from RCB and MI whom CSK might target in the auction for the next season. 

Liam Livingstone

Why CSK could go after Livingstone in IPL 2026 auction

  • CSK released most of their non-performing assets to the mini auction pool. With Ravindra Jadeja joining Rajasthan Royals and the likes of Sam Curran, Vijay Shankar and Deepak Hooda released to the auction pool, CSK have to rebuild their lower middle order, preferably by picking multidimensional players. 
  • In such a scenario, Liam Livingstone could be a smart buy by the five-time champions. The English allrounder was released by RCB after failing to prove his mettle. However, Livingstone regained his mojo by shining brightly in The Hundred and T20 Blast, amassing 501 runs combined at a magnificent average of 45.54 and a strike rate of 165.89. 
  • Apart from contributing handy runs to the total, Livingstone can be a potent weapon with his leg-spin on Chennai's spin-friendly deck. Therefore, he's definitely someone whom CSK can target to boost their lineup for the upcoming IPL season. 

Lungi Ngidi

Why CSK could go after Lungi Ngidi in IPL 2026 auction

Criterion
Data
Matches14
Wickets25
Average17.92
Strike rate12.96
Economy8.30

(Lungi Ngidi's IPL record for Chennai Super Kings)

  • Lungi Ngidi was impressive with the ball for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scalping four wickets, including a three-wicket haul at a strike rate of twelve. Although his economy rate was slightly on the higher side, Ngidi was a proven wicket-taker for the eventual champions. 
  • CSK have retained Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Anshul Kamboj and Mukesh Choudhary as their fast bowlers. The five-time champions have four overseas slots left, and Ngidi can definitely be an excellent addition to their setup. 
  • His ability to hit the deck and deceive the batters with his cutters and variations at Chepauk, where the ball generally holds up a bit after pitching. He has previously played for the franchise, scalping 25 wickets in just 14 games at an impressive economy of 8.30. 

Bevon Jacobs

Why CSK could go after Bevon Jacobs in IPL 2026 auction

Criterion
Data
Matches29
Run
522
Average29
Strike rate138.46

(Bevon Jacobs T20 stats)

  • Hailed for his power-hitting, Bevon Jacobs, a 23-year-old batter, can dispatch medium pacers comfortably into the stands, making him a bright prospect for CSK's finishing department. 
  • As evidenced by the above stats, Bevon Jacobs has had a decent T20 career, striking at 138.46 across 29 matches. His exceptional big-hitting qualities will add a different dimension to the Super Kings' batting unit if they purchase him in the mini auction. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Why CSK could go after Mujeeb Ur Rahman in IPL 2026 auction

  • Afghanistan spin ace Mujeeb Ur Rahman was released by Mumbai Indians after playing a solitary game for the five-time champions in the IPL 2025. 
  • Mujeeb belongs to the rare category of spinners who can open the bowling in the powerplay in T20s. The mystery spinner has a well-disguised googly and can bamboozle the batters with his carrom ball as well. 
  • The pitch at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium generally offers significant assistance to the spin bowlers. As CSK can purchase Mujeeb at a comparatively lower price, they might decide to get him on board and pair him up with Noor Ahmad, especially in home matches.