Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Chennai Super Kings will need to target a spinner and a middle order batter in IPL 2026 auction. CSK have traded in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals in exchange for the all-rounder duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Chopra reckons CSK would open with their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre and Samson can bat at one drop. The renowned commentator admitted that Samson’s best in T20s has come while opening the innings for either RR or India.
However, Samson has batted at one down in 90 games in the IPL whereas he has opened the innings on 20 occasions. Chopra said Nathan Ellis will replace Matheesha Pathirana, who has been released by CSK.
Aakash Chopra said on Star Sports, “The big question that they need to answer is if Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are opening. The best of Samson has come as an opener, whether for RR or Team India. For now, we have kept him at number three because Ayush Mhatre has been outstanding in the limited games he has played. If they continue with this, they will still need somebody at number four. Overseas options are available From what we have, we have placed only two overseas players. There’s no Matheesha Pathirana, he would’ve been here. Nathan Ellis can come in place of Pathirana. They need to do something to get a spinner and a middle-order batter there.”
Chopra said CSK can target players like David Miller and Liam Livingstone, who can bat at number four, in the upcoming auction. The renowned commentator reckons either Rahul Chahar or Ravi Bishnoi can come into CSK’s squad as the team need spinners.
“It can be David Miller, Liam Livingstone or even Dewald Brevis can go to number four. In terms of spin, I see Ravi Bishnoi or Rahul Chahar coming into the team because they need spinners. Ravichandran Ashwin retired, Ravindra Jadeja traded. Only Shreyas Gopal and Noor Ahmad right now in their squad as far as spinners are concerned. So, Bishnoi can come in and they have a good purse amount.”
The IPL 2026 auction is likely to be scheduled on December 15.
