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Jadeja, Ashwin, Pathirana gone: How CSK could fare in IPL 2026 mini auction with best possible buys

Rajgeeta Yadav

IPL 2026 releases [Source: AFP]IPL 2026 releases [Source: AFP]

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) appear determined to chase their sixth IPL trophy in the 2026 season. Their decisions ahead of the mini-auction have surprised many fans and experts. Notably, CSK has kept their main senior players and promising youngsters, but they have released several domestic and overseas cricketers to restructure the team. 

After finishing at the bottom of the points table last season, their worst performance in IPL history, the franchise is clearly aiming for a strong comeback.

One of the biggest moves during the trade window was CSK’s decision to let go of two major all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Both were traded to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Indian star batter Sanju Samson, who is expected to strengthen CSK’s top order. 

After all trades and releases, CSK now heads into the mini-auction with a purse of ₹43.4 crore and 9 slots to fill. Several released players from other teams might fit CSK’s new plans. Here are three names they could target:

Wanindu Hasaranga

One of the most unexpected releases this year was RR letting go of Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Since he is now available in the auction pool, CSK may strongly consider bringing him into their squad.

Why Hasaranga fits CSK

  • Firstly, after losing Jadeja and not having R. Ashwin anymore, CSK desperately needs a top-quality spin-bowling all-rounder. Notably, Hasaranga checks all the boxes. Not only does he bring dangerous leg-spin, but he is also capable of scoring quick runs in the lower order. 
  • Moreover, his IPL numbers are impressive: 46 wickets in 37 innings, including three four-wicket hauls, along with an economy rate of 8.41.
  • Secondly, conditions in Chennai strongly favour spinners. Therefore, Hasaranga’s clever variations and sharp googlies could be extremely effective at the Chepauk Stadium. Additionally, he can form a strong spin partnership with Noor Ahmad, giving CSK a balanced and threatening spin attack.

David Miller

Another interesting release is David Miller, who was let go by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Although Miller has been a proven match-winner over the years, he had a below-average season in 2025, scoring only 153 runs in 11 matches. But this dip in form doesn’t erase his reputation as one of the best finishers in T20 format

Why CSK might go after Miller

  • To start with, CSK needs an experienced finisher who can guide the team in pressure situations. Since they have a large purse, they can easily afford a player like Miller. Besides that, his overall IPL performance is excellent: 3077 runs in 135 innings, with an average of 35.37 and a strike rate of 138.60.
Criteria
Stats
Innings93
Runs1,378
Avg30
SR171.2

[David Miller's penultimate over stats]

  • Furthermore, Miller is especially dangerous in the death overs. In fact, he has scored over 1300 runs at a huge strike rate of 171.2 during the final overs of innings. This clearly shows he can be trusted to finish games, something CSK will heavily rely on after reshuffling their batting order.

Abhinav Manohar

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) released Abhinav Manohar after a modest season where he scored only 61 runs in five innings. Despite this, the 31-year-old batter is seen as a player with strong potential as a big-hitter, especially in pressure situations.

Why CSK might consider him

  • CSK might want to strengthen their Indian middle-order options, and Manohar could be a good fit. The 30-year-old batter has shown glimpses of his talent in previous seasons. At the No. 6 position, he has scored 132 runs at a strike rate of 143.48, proof of his ability to accelerate and hit sixes when needed.
  • Meanwhile, CSK are also known for backing young or underrated players and helping them grow into star performers. Notably, Manohar could be another such success story if CSK decides to invest in him. His power-hitting style might work well alongside Shivam Dube in the middle order.

Important note: Notably, CSK’s decision to release Matheesha Pathirana has raised many eyebrows. However, this move could very well be part of a larger strategy. According to reports, CSK had already turned down multiple trade requests from other franchises, which clearly shows that they still value him highly. 

By releasing him now, the team might simply be planning to buy him back at a lower price during the mini auction. Therefore, it would not be surprising at all if Pathirana eventually returns to the Yellow Army as part of CSK’s calculated approach to rebuilding their squad.