Only a short while remains before IPL 2026 begins, yet predictions about best possible XIs are already spreading fast among analysts and supporters alike. Out comes Krishnamachari Srikkanth – ex-India opener turned national selection committee head – with his take on Chennai Super Kings’ strongest lineup, tied through years of connection with the team. Yet here’s what surprised many – he skipped Kartik Sharma, that high-profile pick who cost CSK Rs 14.20 crore, leaving him off the field entirely in his imagined squad.
Suddenly, at the top came Sanju Samson – India’s T20 World Cup 2026 hero – paired not with a usual partner but young Ayush Mhatre, fresh off leading the U19 squad to victory that same year. Right behind them, stepping into the third slot, stood Ruturaj Gaikwad, calm as ever, wearing the CSK captain’s badge. That choice by Srikkanth? Clear. Unfussy. Built around form, nothing else.
Funny thing happened at spot four. Ex-India batsman Srikkanth picked hard-hitting Urvil Patel instead – left out Kartik Sharma, even passed over Sarfaraz Khan. Choice raised a few eyebrows.
Around Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube joined alongside MS Dhoni in Srikkanth’s mid-lineup. Following that pick came Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old all-rounder, later secured by CSK at Rs 14.20 crore during the IPL 2026 mini auction
Out of left field, Srikkanth went with Matt Henry – the seasoned Kiwi quick – alongside Khaleel Ahmed upfront, leaving Anshul Kamboj on the sidelines. From nowhere, Noor Ahmad took charge of the spin unit after grabbing 24 scalps during IPL 2025. Then again, choices like these tend to shift attention fast.
Funny thing is, Srikkanth doubled down on spin, sliding in wrist-spinner Rahul Chahar as his ‘Impact Player’. The move came after CSK picked him up at Rs 5.2 crore during the latest auction.
One reason Srikkanth picked that team? His preferred CSK eleven included just three foreign players. Sitting out were Akeal Hosein, Zakary Foulkes, also Matt Short.
Srikkanth’s CSK playing XI for IPL 2026: Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed.
Impact Player: Rahul Chahar
