CSK have several backups for their players in the top order; however, they might struggle with some of their options lower down the order. A few of those players include the likes of MS Dhoni, the former captain who led them to five IPL titles.
Chennai Super Kings mostly win the auction, and they would look to bounce back with their performance in the franchise league as well. CSK made some massive investments in players like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, who were invested in for a massive amount of money.
They also have a very good pack of overseas players, which includes Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, and Matt Henry. However, other than these players, they have their main strength in the Indian players in the Men in Yellow camp.
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3 CSK players who might be a burden in IPL 2026
Noor Ahmed
The Afghan spinner was the central figure in CSK’s bowling attack back in IPL 2025 and finished as their highest wicket-taker in the season. The spinner moved from the Gujarat Titans to the Chennai Super Kings after he was acquired for a massive INR 10 crores in the mega-auction.
The left-arm spinner who bowls somewhat like a chinaman bowler enjoyed bowling on the helpful tracks of the M. Chidambaram Stadium. The grip of the surface further facilitates spin bowling. However, this time around, Noor will be one of the weakest links in the CSK squad.
Noor was not handy for the Afghanistan team in the ICC T20 World Cup, which was played on the Indian tracks. He was taken for many runs, and the batters almost read him from his arm, which unsettled the spinner. CSK would, on the other hand, depend massively on the Afghan spinner.
Prasanth Veer
The youngster from UP was bought for a whopping price of INR 14.20 crores by the Chennai Super Kings management. They had released their most veteran all-rounder in Ravindra Jadeja, and hence, wanted a replacement.
Jadeja is a one-of-a-kind cricketer, and there is no replacement for the Indian great. However, even if they wanted to pick any, they should have picked players who have some experience under their sleeves.
Prasanth Veer, the 20-year-old cricketer, would be burdened by the lack of experience and the immense burden on him, as he has to step into the big and responsible shoes of Ravindra Jadeja.
This will be a possible weak link in the Chennai dugout, as they will miss out on the shots that Jadeja used to play. Veer’s batting will be a concern, while his bowling might not be as effective as Jadeja’s economical spells in the middle overs.
MS Dhoni
Chennai Super Kings management is not yet sure about MS Dhoni’s availability in IPL 2026, although they admitted that he will be available for all the games; his role is yet to be specified. It is also not certain whether Dhoni will feature as an impact player or not.
Dhoni’s batting position would be demoted down the order, and he would feature mostly as a lower-order finisher. Though his experience is of immense use for the Super Kings, his age and fitness would be a question for the CSK team.
With Sanju Samson in the team, MS Dhoni would not be needed behind the stumps; however, if he is used as an impact player, then younger players would beat him in the race, as a fresh player of legs is essential for them.
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