IPL 2026: Subramaniam Badrinath picks 3 players to target Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in upcoming mini-auction

Former Indian batsman and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) tough Subramaniam Badrinath has offered a detailed blueprint for the franchise’s strategy going forward Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. With CSK undergoing a significant squad overhaul following a difficult last season marked by the departure of key veterans, Badrinath identified several critical areas that the team needs to address. He provided specific, valuable names that he believes are needed to rebuild the squad and challenge for the title.

S. Badrinath identifies three key players that CSK should target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

The spin crisis: why an ex-world No. 1 is mandatory

Badrinath believes that CSK’s most pressing need is to replace the void in the spin department following the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin and the trade of Ravindra Jadejaleaving the cupboard virtually bare. The former batsman urged the franchise to go all out for the former world No. 1 T20I bowler.

On his YouTube channel, Badrinath specified his main target and the tactical reasoning behind the choice:

“He will be a great option, one CSK will definitely focus on. They don’t have two specialist spinners, Jadeja and Ashwin. So they definitely need a spinner, and Ravi Bishnoi will be a four-over bowler.”

Badrinath emphasized the suitability of Ravi Bishnoi for their home base:

“And wrist spinners have been successful at the Chepauk Stadium. Noor Ahmad and Ravi Bishnoi will form a super combination. He is likely to go for a high price but CSK will benefit from buying him.”

Despite Bishnoi going through a poor IPL 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)leading to his release, his proven wicket-taking ability and success on spin-friendly pitches make him the ideal replacement for the Super Kings’ long-term strategy.

READ also: “Their first priority will be..”: Ravichandran Ashwin’s take on CSK’s high-stakes strategy for the IPL 2026 auction

Death bowling and middle-order power: securing finishes

Besides spin, Badrinath advised that the franchise urgently needs to fix its death-bowling issues and strengthen its mediocre finishing capabilities, especially as experienced players move on. He provided a clear list of options for both roles, highlighting the non-negotiable requirement of a quality death specialist.

“CSK definitely needs a death bowler. Anrich Nortje is a fast bowler who can bowl with the new ball and in the end overs. Gerald Coetzee will be a good option as he previously played for the Joburg Super Kings. CSK also bid strongly for him in the last auction. Buying back Matheesha Pathirana at a lower price won’t be a bad option. But a death bowler is a must for CSK, for which they can opt for any of these three options,” said Badrinath, who offered both established and well-known options.

Badrinath then shifted focus to the batting line-up and nominated the South African veteran David Miller as the perfect finisher, referencing the franchise’s history of revitalizing veteran stars:

“David Miller is an intimidating end-overs player and a left-hander. He has also been playing well against spin lately. Yes, he seems to be nearing the end of his career. But such players have done very well at CSK. Take Shane Watson, Robin Uthappa or Ajinkya Rahane. So David Miller will certainly be a good fit for CSK.” Badrinath concluded.

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