Samson To Lead, Shankar-Tripathi-Hooda Released: Predicting Ideal CSK IPL 2026 Squad – OneCricket

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Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: @OneCricketApp, @ChennaiIPL/x.com]
Chennai Super Kings endured their worst IPL campaign in 2025, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 matches. The five-time champions’ struggles stemmed from poor squad composition, lack of explosive batting and over-reliance on ageing stars. As CSK prepares for IPL 2026, a strategic overhaul is essential to restore championship credentials.
CSK’s 2026 revival begins with releasing underperformers who contributed to their disastrous 2025 season. The franchise needs to cut approximately ₹25-30 Cr worth of players to facilitate strategic acquisitions.
Additional releases could include Jamie Overton (₹1.5 Cr), Kamlesh Nagarkoti (₹30 Lakhs), Shreyas Gopal (₹30 Lakhs), and Andre Siddharth (₹30 Lakhs). These moves would free up approximately ₹28 Cr for strategic investments. The logic behind these releases is clear: Conway’s poor strike rate and inability to capitalise on starts, Ashwin’s expensive economy rate and ineffective bowling, and the trio of Tripathi, Hooda, and Shankar’s collective failure to provide middle-order stability.
Akeal Hosein and Sikandar Raza [Source: @hajuri_janardan, @cricketworldcup/x.com]
CSK’s 2026 squad should balance proven performers with strategic acquisitions through trades and mini-auction picks. The ideal composition would focus on explosive batting, death bowling expertise, and tactical flexibility.
This balanced squad provides tactical flexibility with 6 overseas options (can play best 4 each match), explosive batting depth, comprehensive bowling attack, and strong Indian core while maintaining room for 3-4 additional mini-auction acquisitions. Besides, they can also look for some reserve players in the budget that remains for them. 
Impact Player: Akeal Hosein ✈️ (Additional spin variety)/ Urvil Patel (To add firepower to batting if needed)
Bowling Balance Logic
This XI provides proper bowling balance with:
For away matches, Nathan Ellis could replace Noor Ahmad for additional pace bowling, while Anshul Kamboj might come in for Khaleel Ahmed for more aggressive bowling options. The batting order remains the same with proven performers in their natural positions.
Batting Transformation
The 2026 squad addresses CSK’s biggest 2025 weakness – explosive batting. The top order features explosive players like Mhatre, Samson, and Brevis, while the middle order has proven power hitters in Dube and finishers like Dhoni. Urvil Patel provides a perfect Impact Player option for high-scoring games.
Bowling Balance Achievement
Khaleel Ahmed or Anshul Kamboj could be their pacer in the pwoerplay. These two bolwer add depth to the Xl, complementing Pathirana’s death bowling expertise. This creates proper pace-spin balance with five quality bowling options.
Sanju Samson could be a vital addition to the CSK side [Source: @IPL/x.com]
Replacing Ruturaj Gaikwad with Sanju Samson as captain represents a calculated strategic decision based on multiple factors:
This captaincy change allows Gaikwad to focus purely on his batting, potentially unlocking his full potential without leadership responsibilities.
The combination of Jadeja (off-spin), Noor Ahmad (left-arm wrist spin), and Akeal Hosein (left-arm orthodox) creates a complete spin triangle. This variety is crucial for Chepauk conditions and provides tactical advantages across different match situations.
Total squad cost: approximately ₹119 crore with ₹0-3 crore remaining for final auction additions. The strategy maximizes value while maintaining championship-caliber talent across all departments.
This reconstructed CSK squad transforms the 2025 wooden spooners into genuine 2026 title contenders. The emphasis on explosive batting, proper bowling balance through pace-spin combinations, and proven performers creates a unit capable of adapting to any condition. Most importantly, the squad maintains CSK’s core identity while embracing modern T20 requirements – the perfect recipe for championship success.

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