Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — IPL 2026 Detailed Team Profile
Team Overview
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are one of the most successful and iconic franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Founded on 24 January 2008, CSK represents Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in the IPL. The team is owned by Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited, a subsidiary of India Cements Limited. CSK’s brand and fan following arguably make it one of the league’s most popular teams. Wikipedia
Team Colors and Logo
CSK’s official colors are yellow and blue, with the prominent lion logo symbolizing bravery and dominance — elements that mirror the team’s on-field ethos. Wikipedia
Home Ground
CSK plays its home matches at the historic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, widely known as Chepauk Stadium, in Chennai. It has a seating capacity of around 38,000–50,000 and is known for its passionate home crowds and traditionally spin-friendly pitches. Wikipedia+1
Management & Support Staff
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Owner: Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited
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Head Coach: Stephen Fleming
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Team Manager: Russell Radhakrishnan
(These are the principal leadership roles confirmed as of the 2026 season.) Wikipedia
Other support staff (bowling coach, batting coach, etc.) are typical for an IPL franchise but official listings vary and should be verified from the franchise closer to match days.
2026 Captain and Leadership
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Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad — He was confirmed as CSK’s captain going into IPL 2026. IPL 2026
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Senior Leadership & Mentorship: MS Dhoni continues as a senior mentor figure and playing member of the squad, with transition talks around vice-captaincy (including Sanju Samson’s trade-in) ongoing. IPL 2026
Full Squad List: Roles & Status
Below is the 2026 CSK squad, combining retained players and new acquisitions from trade and auction (roles are approximate based on their usual positions):
⭐ Retained / Core Players
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Ruturaj Gaikwad – Batter (Domestic; Captain) IPL
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MS Dhoni – Wicketkeeper-Batter (Domestic, veteran leader) IPL
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Ayush Mhatre – Wicketkeeper-Batter (Domestic) IPL
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Dewald Brevis – Batter/All-rounder (Overseas) IPL
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Shivam Dube – All-rounder (Domestic) IPL
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Urvil Patel – Batter (Domestic) IPL
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Jamie Overton – All-rounder (Overseas) IPL
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Noor Ahmad – Spinner (Overseas) IPL
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Khaleel Ahmed – Fast Bowler (Domestic) IPL
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Anshul Kamboj – Bowler (Domestic) IPL
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Gurjapneet Singh – Bowler (Domestic) IPL
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Nathan Ellis – Bowler (Overseas) IPL
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Shreyas Gopal – Bowler/All-rounder (Domestic) IPL
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Mukesh Choudhary – Fast Bowler (Domestic) IPL
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Ramakrishna Ghosh – All-rounder (Domestic) IPL
⭐ New Additions (Auction / Trade-In)
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Sanju Samson – Wicketkeeper-Batter (Domestic, traded from RR) NDTV Sports
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Prashant Veer – All-rounder (Domestic) The Times of India
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Kartik Sharma – Batter (Domestic) The Times of India
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Akeal Hosein – Spinner (Overseas) NDTV Sports
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Matthew Short – All-rounder (Overseas) NDTV Sports
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Aman Khan – Batter (Domestic) NDTV Sports
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Sarfaraz Khan – Batter (Domestic) NDTV Sports
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Matt Henry – Fast Bowler (Overseas) NDTV Sports
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Rahul Chahar – Spinner (Domestic) NDTV Sports
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Zak Foulkes – All-rounder (Overseas) NDTV Sports
Note: International/designation is based on nationality and typical playing eligibility. Domestic refers to Indian players registered with CSK. IPL+1
Retained, Released & New Players
Released Players
CSK released or traded several players before the 2026 mini-auction to refresh the squad:
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Ravindra Jadeja (traded to Rajasthan Royals) IPL
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Sam Curran (traded to Rajasthan Royals) IPL
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Matheesha Pathirana IPL
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Devon Conway IPL
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Rachin Ravindra IPL
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Rahul Tripathi IPL
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Deepak Hooda IPL
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Vijay Shankar IPL
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Shaikh Rasheed IPL
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Andre Siddarth IPL
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Kamlesh Nagarkoti IPL
These changes reflect a significant squad overhaul and CSK’s ambition to balance youth with experience. IPL
Team Strategy & Playing Style
CSK traditionally builds teams around:
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Strong top order batting, often anchored by a consistent opener like Ruturaj Gaikwad. Wikipedia
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Tactical spinners who exploit Chepauk’s slow pitch, such as Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar. NDTV Sports
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Experienced all-rounders to balance batting depth and bowling options in the middle overs. NDTV Sports
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Depth in pace bowling through players like Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed. NDTV Sports
This mix mirrors CSK’s historic approach of consistency over flamboyance, focusing on captaincy acumen and strategic use of resources. Wikipedia
Past IPL Performance & Titles
CSK are among the most successful IPL franchises with five IPL titles in:
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2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023 Wikipedia
They have also appeared in the playoffs and finals more times than most teams, cementing a legacy of consistency and excellence. IPL Hindi
Key Players to Watch (2026)
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Ruturaj Gaikwad – Captain and top-order run scorer. Wikipedia
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MS Dhoni – Veteran leader and finisher in his likely final IPL season. IPL 2026
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Sanju Samson – New trade acquisition with leadership and batting firepower. NDTV Sports
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Dewald Brevis – Explosive young talent. IPL
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Noor Ahmad – Key spin bowling option for middle overs. IPL
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Matt Henry & Akeal Hosein – Overseas bowling reinforcements. NDTV Sports
Fan Culture
CSK fans — often called the Yellow Army — are among the most passionate cricket supporters in India, known for singing, cheering Whistle Podu! at home games, and a vast fan base that spans across generations and regions.