IPL 2026: 5 Bowlers CSK might target in mini-auction

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are going into the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction with a remaining purse of Rs 43.4 crore. They can fill a maximum of nine available slots, having already retained 16 players. Out of those nine, four overseas slots are open. IPL 2025 was a horrible season for the five-time champions. 

They finished last, and CSK fans were left shocked by their poor performances, losing key moments in multiple games. Based on the retained squad and their purse, CSK are now expected to target some big-name bowlers who can bring stability to the team.

Here are the 5 bowlers CSK might target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Matheesha Pathirana

Many CSK fans were shocked when the retention list showed that the franchise had not retained young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Known for his slingy side-arm action, he showed steady improvement over the last four seasons. 

However, IPL 2025 proved expensive for him. Even though he took 13 wickets in 12 innings, he conceded runs at an economy of 10.13. It looked like opposition batters had finally found a way to attack him instead of playing it safe. 

CSK released him to free up Rs 13 crore. But even now, if CSK go for Pathirana again, it will not be a surprise. They may have released him with the thought of buying him back at a lower price. Whether Pathirana wears the CSK jersey again is something only time will tell.

2. Gerald Coetzee

This 25-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder could be on CSK’s radar. Gerald Coetzee is known for bowling at any stage of an innings and for using variations well. He can be effective in the death overs. 

With the bat, he can also hit some strong blows down the order. These abilities make him a tempting option for CSK. But he had a tough IPL 2025, picking up only two wickets in four innings at an economy of 10.91.

3. Vignesh Puthur

This young spinner made headlines in IPL 2025 while playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI). In five matches, he took six wickets, though at an economy of 9.08. But he was exceptional in Chennai, picking up 3/32 against CSK. Considering his skills and how Chepauk favours spinners, Puthur could be an X-factor option CSK may look at for the future.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga

This experienced spin-bowling all-rounder has played 37 IPL matches, taking 46 wickets at an economy of 8.41. He was outstanding in the 2022 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), taking 26 wickets in 16 innings. 

But in the next two seasons (RCB and RR), his form dipped a bit, collecting 20 wickets in 19 games. Last year, he played for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Even then, an experienced spinner like Hasaranga, who can also strike some big blows with the bat, remains an exciting option for CSK.

5. Maheesh Theekshana

Another Sri Lankan spinner, Maheesh Theekshana, could also be an option for CSK. He had a decent IPL 2025 with RR, taking 11 wickets in 11 matches. With the bat, he is not at Hasaranga’s level, but with his bowling alone, he can be a match-winner on his day.

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