Hours remain before IPL 2026 kicks off, yet predictions about best possible XIs are already spreading among analysts and supporters alike. Out of nowhere, ex-Indian opener and current national selection committee head Krishnamachari Srikkanth shared his take on how Chennai Super Kings should line up. Despite strong ties to the team over years, his suggested eleven skips Kartik Sharma, the high-value Rs 14.20 crore recruit. Though many expected the youngster to feature, Srikkanth’s pick takes a different turn without him.
A fresh start saw Srikkanth pairing Sanju Samson – India’s T20 World Cup 2026 hero – with Ayush Mhatre, who led the U19 squad to victory that same year. Following behind, Ruturaj Gaikwad stepped into the third spot, wearing the CSK captain’s badge. His place was set without delay.
Funny thing happened at spot four. Ex-India batsman Srikkanth picked hard-hitting Urvil Patel instead – left out Kartik Sharma, passed over Sarfaraz Khan too.
Midway through his picks came Dewald Brevis, followed by Shivam Dube alongside MS Dhoni shaping up the core lineup. A young talent at just twenty, Prashant Veer made the cut too – snapped up earlier by CSK during the 2026 mini auction for a sum of 14.20 crore rupees
First out of the gate were Matt Henry, the Kiwi workhorse, then Khaleel Ahmed slotting in ahead of Anshul Kamboj. Not picking Kamboj raised a few eyebrows. Spinning duties? Handled by Noor Ahmad – Afghanistan’s left-armer – who hauled in 24 scalps during IPL 2025. His numbers made the choice obvious.
Funny thing, Srikkanth went even heavier on spin, slotting in wrist-spinner Rahul Chahar as the ‘Impact Player’. Picked up at Rs 5.2 crore by CSK during the latest auction, that one.
Fewer foreign names filled Srikkanth’s best possible CSK team, leaving room for just three overseas picks – Hosein, Foulkes, and Short stayed out despite being options.
Kricket talk by Srikkanth – Chennai’s likely bunch for 2026: Sanju Samson stepping in early, then Ayush Mhatre holding steady beside him. Ruturaj Gaikwad follows close, while Urvil Patel swings in next. Dewald Brevis appears after that, Shivam Dube bringing power soon after. Behind them all, MS Dhoni waits quietly. Prashant Veer rolls through mid spell, Noor Ahmad floating in with spin. Matt Henry rushes in from one end, Khaleel Ahmed charging from the other.
Rahul Chahar Steps In As Impact Player
