In the history of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the transfer of Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals (RR) is only the second trade after Robin Uthappa. Despite this, the NBA 2026 strategy for CSK will be the main focus when the next season starts due to the trade’s implications on the auction process.
The trade turns out to be an opportunity for the yellow brigade to acquire a large portion of what they were looking for to fill their CSK 2026 auction strategy. A top-quality wicketkeeper-batsman, with the quality of leadership, would have been their first auction requirement. The five-times champions are now left to tackle some more serious issues at the auction table after that.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire from IPL cricket earlier this year and Jadeja’s exit from the team has resulted in almost no spinners left at CSK. So, Noor Ahmad, who is just 20 years old, is almost the most experienced spinner in the team. Here are three names of spinners that might come under the CSK 2026 auction strategy.
Spinner Targets for CSK at IPL 2026 Auction
Akeal Hosein
Akeal Hosein is a player with an extensive background of participating in various franchise-based leagues across the world. Akeal was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad but did not get to prove his worth in IPL 2023 as he played just one match. The main reason why CSK 2026 would target Akeal Hosein is that he is already with the Texas Super Kings (TSK) team in the MLC. This season, Akeal has played 7 matches and picked up 10 wickets at an excellent economy of 4.80.
CSK would profit if they hire Akeal Hosein as he has been very effective with the new ball. The left-arm spin can do an amazing thing like a right-handed bat would be a great skill for a slow left-arm spinner. He might come in handy during the power play on the rough patches of Chepauk.
Manimaran Siddharth
The story of Manimaran Siddharth starts off with the performance that stuns everyone. He bowled out Virat Kohli in the ICC 2024 match of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). After the match, head coach Justin Langer spoke highly of the player’s talent. He has played only eight First-class matches which is already a very impressive wicket haul of 30 batters which is very good testimony to his skill. On top of that, he has become a prominent player for Tamil Nadu cricket in both List A and T20 formats.
He has played only five matches in the IPL so far, taking three wickets for LSG, but his potential is sky high. If LSG does not retain him, the Men in Yellow would surely consider the 27-year-old as part of CSK’s strategy for the 2026 auction.
Liam Dawson
This England bowling allrounder has not yet taken part in the IPL, yet nonetheless he certainly has the potential to draw a lot of bids. Going by Dawson’s abilities, he could be one of the main candidates for CSK 2026 auction strategy even before the truckloads of money auction. Although he has not participated in the IPL, the 25-year-old has an impressive resume that includes stints with some of the top franchise leagues around the world.
Above anything else, his slow left-arm spin would be a great help to CSK in keeping the runs down during the middle-overs. With the home ground being the same, the Men in Yellow would have their auction plans for CSK 2026 centered around good spin-bowling options. That being said, Liam Dawson is one of the players who will be watched closely during the IPL 2026 auction.
