Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Squad, Fixtures and Complete Player List
Chennai Super Kings do not rebuild — they evolve. And the IPL 2026 version of CSK might be their most interesting squad in years. The Sanju Samson trade was the headline move of the entire pre-auction window: CSK sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals and received Samson in return. That is a statement of intent from a franchise that is always thinking three moves ahead. Find out how CSK shape up in the full IPL 2026 season.
MS Dhoni is still there. That sentence alone is enough to sell tickets at Chepauk.
CSK IPL 2026 Fixtures
| # | Date | Day | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 Mar | Mon | RR vs CSK | Guwahati |
| 2 | 03 Apr | Fri | CSK vs PBKS | Chennai |
| 3 | 05 Apr | Sun | RCB vs CSK | Bengaluru |
| 4 | 11 Apr | Sat | CSK vs DC | Chennai |
For the complete fixture list as it gets released, visit the IPL 2026 fixtures and schedule page.
CSK IPL 2026 Squad
Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad | Coach: Stephen Fleming | Home Ground: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
| Player | Role | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad (c) | Batter | India |
| MS Dhoni | WK-Batter | India |
| Sanju Samson | WK-Batter | India |
| Ayush Mhatre | Batter | India |
| Dewald Brewis | WK-Batter | South Africa |
| Shivam Dube | All-rounder | India |
| Urvil Patel | WK-Batter | India |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler | Afghanistan |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler | Australia |
| Shreyas Gopal | Bowler | India |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler | India |
| Mukesh Choudhary | Bowler | India |
| Jamie Overton | All-rounder | England |
| Gurjapneet Singh | Bowler | India |
| Anshul Kamboj | Bowler | India |
| Prashant Veer | All-rounder | India |
| Kartik Sharma | All-rounder | India |
| Rahul Chahar | Bowler | India |
| Akeal Hosein | Bowler | West Indies |
| Matt Henry | Bowler | New Zealand |
| Matthew Short | All-rounder | Australia |
| Sarfaraz Khan | Batter | India |
| Zak Foulkes | Bowler | England |
| Aman Khan | Bowler | India |
What Makes CSK Dangerous in 2026
The Sanju Samson signing changes everything at the top of the order. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson opening together is a combination that can win matches on its own. Gaikwad is technically sound and builds innings smartly. Samson is an explosion waiting to happen. Between them, CSK have one of the most well-rounded opening partnerships in the competition.
MS Dhoni at the death is not just about runs. His presence reshapes the whole middle order — batters above him play with more freedom knowing Dhoni is coming in at 7. Even at this stage of his career, no IPL franchise has found a better finisher.
The two biggest auction signings — Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, both uncapped Indians at ₹14.20 crore each — signal that CSK see something special in both players. These signings add explosive middle-order depth that gives Stephen Fleming more tactical options than ever.
The loss of Jadeja is real. His spin and lower-order batting were irreplaceable in many ways. But CSK have trusted the process before and come out right on the other side.
CSK’s Title Chances: Key Points
- Chepauk in Chennai is the most intimidating home fortress in the IPL — CSK rarely lose there
- Gaikwad and Samson is a new opening combination that nobody has faced yet — that unpredictability is a weapon
- Two uncapped Indian power-hitters at the auction could be the x-factor in close games
- Dhoni’s presence means CSK are never out of any game they are still in at the 15-over mark
Keep track of CSK’s progress throughout the tournament on the IPL 2026 points table.
FAQs
Who is CSK captain for IPL 2026? Ruturaj Gaikwad continues as captain of Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026.
Is MS Dhoni playing IPL 2026? Yes, MS Dhoni is part of the CSK squad for IPL 2026 as a finisher and mentor.
Why did CSK trade Ravindra Jadeja? CSK traded Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals to acquire Sanju Samson, prioritising batting firepower at the top of the order.
Who did CSK sign at the IPL 2026 auction? CSK’s marquee auction signings were uncapped Indians Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, both at ₹14.20 crore each.
When is CSK’s first home match in IPL 2026? CSK’s first home match is on April 3 against Punjab Kings at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
Who coaches Chennai Super Kings? Stephen Fleming is the head coach of Chennai Super Kings.
