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Former Indian batter and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart Subramaniam Badrinath has offered a detailed blueprint for the franchise’s strategy in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. With CSK undergoing a significant squad revamp following a difficult previous season marked by the departure of key veterans, Badrinath identified multiple critical areas that the team must address. He provided specific, high-value names who he believes are necessary to rebuild the squad and contend for the title.
S. Badrinath identifies 3 key players CSK should target on in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
The spin crisis: Why an ex-world no. 1 is mandatory
Badrinath believes CSK’s most urgent need is to replace the void left in the spin department following the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin and the trade of Ravindra Jadeja, which has left the cupboard almost bare. The former batter urged the franchise to go all out for the former world No. 1 T20I bowler.
On his Youtube channel, Badrinath specified his primary target and the tactical reasoning behind the choice:
“He’ll be a great option, one CSK will definitely target. They are without 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 ground:
“And wrist spinners have been successful in the Chepauk stadium. Noor Ahmad and Ravi Bishnoi will form a super combination. He’ll probably go for a high price, but CSK will benefit if they buy him.”
Despite Bishnoi enduring a poor IPL 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), which led 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.
Death bowling and middle-order power: Securing finishes
In addition to spin, Badrinath advised that the franchise must urgently fix its death-bowling issues and bolster its middle-order finishing capabilities, especially with experienced players moving on. He provided a clear list of options for both roles, stressing the non-negotiable requirement for a quality death-overs specialist.
“CSK definitely needs a death bowler. Anrich Nortje is a tearaway fast bowler who can bowl with the new ball and in the end overs. Gerald Coetzee will be a good option, having also played for the Joburg Super Kings before. CSK also bid for him strongly in the last auction. Buying Matheesha Pathirana back for a lower price won’t be a bad option. But a death bowler is a must for CSK, for which they can go for one of these three options,” Badrinath stated, offering both established and familiar options.
Badrinath then shifted focus to the batting line-up, nominating South African veteran David Miller as the perfect finisher, pointing to the franchise’s history of revitalizing experienced stars:
“David Miller is an intimidating end-overs player and a left-hander. He has been playing well against spin also recently. Yes, he is seemingly nearing the end of his career. But such players have done very well with CSK. Take Shane Watson, Robin Uthappa, or Ajinkya Rahane. So David Miller will certainly fit well with CSK.” Badrinath concluded.
Also READ: 5 players Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
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