Russell, Maxwell out: Why David Miller could solve CSK's finishing problems in IPL 2026

Could Miller solve CSK's woes [Source: AFP Photo]

A few days back, the Chennai Super Kings had two big names on their radar for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction, Andre Russell and Glenn Maxwell, but fast forward to Tuesday, and Russell has retired from the IPL, and Maxwell pulled out of the league and didn’t register his name for the auction.

CSK has a purse of 43.4 crore to spend in the mini auction, and with their two main targets unavailable in Russell and Maxwell, the Yellow Army should shift their focus towards LSG reject, David Miller and here’s why the Proteas batter could be a solid and yet a bargain buy for the number 6 slot.

What is CSK's main issue heading into next season

CSK have two major issues heading into the mini auction and the next season: one is the pace bowling department, and the other is a solid finisher to accompany MS Dhoni. CSK’s top order looks solid, but the finisher department is where the team lacks the cutting-edge as MSD’s productivity went down this season.

(MSD in 2024, 25 IPL seasons)

• As the table depicts, MSD had a stellar season in 2024 where he worked perfectly as a finisher and had a strike rate of 220, but the numbers dipped in the following season.
• He scored more runs in 2025, but there was a massive downfall in terms of strike rate. The numbers went down to a mere 135 as MS Dhoni failed to finish numerous games for the CSK side.
• Hence, Miller could be a solution to their problem, and here's why buying him could be a shrewd pick in the auction.

What David Miller brings to the table as CSK player

Excellent IPL numbers in death overs: Miller has been one of the best finishers in the history of IPL, and the South African batter has stellar numbers from overs 16-20. This was a greyish area for CSK to address and Miller would do the job to perfection.

(Miller IPL numbers in death overs)

• As the stats depict, Miller has outstanding stats in the death overs and the batter has amassed 1,378 runs, with a strike rate of 171, showcasing his ultra-aggressive batting approach.'

The vacant lefty slot will be filled

With Ravindra Jadeja leaving for Rajasthan Royals, there is a void left in the CSK team as the squad only has one left-hander in the top 7, Shivam Dube, and adding another lefty won’t do any harm.

The left-right combination is crucial in cricket as it disrupts bowlers’ rhythm, and hence, adding Miller in the squad could do wonders as he would bring in a different angle and a dynamism left vacant by Jadeja.

Could come in at a handy price

Last season, Miller played for the Lucknow Super Giants and, unlike his stints for the other sides, he performed poorly for LSG, but it would also be fair to say that Miller wasn’t given too many chances to perform. As a result, he was released by the franchise, and reportedly, the Proteas player has set his base price at 2 crores for the mini auction.

He had an underwhelming IPL 2025 season, and there is a good chance that not many teams will bid for him, and this provides CSK an opportunity to pounce and grab him for a handy price.

---

ALSO READ

Jansen rises as a batting monster: A definite threat to Marcus Stoinis' IPL spot in PBKS?

---