IPL: 3 Changes CSK Needs to Make to Win IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had their worst season ever in the history of the IPL during the most recent edition. For the first time, they finished at the bottom of the table—10th place—with just eight points from 14 matches and a net run rate of –0.647. Midway through the season, their regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an elbow injury and was ruled out of the tournament. The captaincy then went back to MS Dhoni, but even his return couldn’t spark a turnaround or help CSK qualify for the playoffs.

Throughout the season, injuries to key players and a lack of impactful performances from both Indian and overseas stars hurt their campaign. Now, CSK fans will be hoping for a strong comeback in IPL 2026.

Here are the three changes CSK needs to make to win IPL 2026:

Retention of Brevis, Mhatre, and Urvil

These three players came in as replacements midway through the tournament and brought much-needed energy to the squad. Ayush Mhatre replaced the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis came in for Gurjapneet Singh, and Urvil Patil replaced Vansh Bedi.

Mhatre impressed with 240 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 188.97. Urvil may have scored only 68 runs in three innings, but his strike rate of 212.50 stood out. Brevis was excellent with both bat and in the field, scoring 225 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 180, including two fifties.

These young players added spark and intent to a struggling lineup and should be retained to form a strong batting core going forward.

Having In-Form Indian Players

Ahead of IPL 2025, CSK brought in experienced Indian players like Ravichandran Ashwin (33 runs and seven wickets in nine games), Rahul Tripathi (55 runs in five games), Deepak Hooda (31 runs in seven games), and Vijay Shankar (118 runs in five games). However, none of them lived up to expectations.

Their poor form disrupted the team’s balance and made it difficult to establish a consistent playing XI. Going into the next season, CSK might consider releasing most—or all—of these players and instead target in-form domestic talent or reliable experienced Indian players to rebuild a stronger local core.

Inclusion of Better Overseas All-Rounders

Overseas all-rounders are vital for team balance, but CSK’s picks—Sam Curran and Jamie Overton—failed to make an impact. Curran managed just one wicket and 114 runs in five games, while Overton scored only 15 runs in two innings.

To improve their squad for IPL 2026, CSK should consider releasing both and look for more consistent, high-performing overseas all-rounders who can contribute in both departments under pressure.

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