A former Indian player has predicted the playing 11 for CSK, and he didn't include Kartik Sharma, who was brought in by the team for INR 14.20 crore. Chennai Super Kings, the five-time champions of IPL has made significant changes in their lineup and are ready to dominate the IPL 2026 edition. There are multiple cricket analysts and former Indian players who are making a predic 11 of CSK; however, questions have arisen regarding the inclusion and exclusion of certain players.
however this year the team looks more solid and determined with the addition of reliable players like Sanju Samson. Ruturaj Gaikwad remains the captain of Chennai Super Kings, and Stephen Fleming is the coach with a reliable batting and bowling line-up. According to Indian commentator and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra, the only problem for CSK is their death bowling options.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth Thoughts regarding CSK
Despite multiple changes in the squad and the addition of reliable players, the question still arises whether CSK can still reach the finals of IPL 2026? A few days ago, former Indian Opener and BCCI chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth revealed his preferred playing 11 for CSK, and he dropped one of the most expensive players for this franchise in IPL 2026, Kartik Sharma. Not including Kartik Sharma might be one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026. The CSK management has not yet revealed their official playing 11.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth predicted his playing 11 for CSK by allowing Sanju Samson and Aayush Mathare to open together. Both players are capable of structuring the inning, and at number 3, he put the captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and number 4 was a controversial choice where he put explosive player Urvil Patel in place of Kartik Sharma and Sarfaraz Khan.
Can CSK reach the finals?
Despite a solid team on paper, the fans and analysts are doubting the individual performance of the players of CSK. The addition of Sanju Samson is something that CSK is looking for in their opening pair. Last year, the batting lineup was not very reliable because the opening pair was inexperienced and lacked someone who could structure the inning without going all in aggressive.
The one thing that could be difficult for CSK to manage is their. Because of the unavailability of Nathan Ellis, the CSK line-up is now looking for someone who can fill the boots of this individual player. The over-dependency of the Chennai Super Kings on Ellis allowed them to release reliable bowler Matheesha Pathirana. Now, without the reliable Australian bowler, ruled out of the tournament, CSK will have to come up with an alternative at the death. Chennai Super Kings do have multiple other bowlers who can be very lethal with the new ball; however, they are lacking someone who can control the innings in the death over.
Is Spencer Johnson enough?
To fill the boots of Nathan Ellis, the Chennai Super Kings management has made a replacement on 24th March by adding Spencer Johnson. This Australian left arm Pacer was signed by CSK for a total of 1.2 crore as a replacement for Ellis. Now the question arises, is he a proper replacement for Ellis? The answer to this question is very tricky because Ellis is one of the specialists in that field, and Spencer Johnson is also reliable, but not as reliable as Ellis.
One more problem for CSK is that Spencer Johnson cannot join the squad immediately from the very first match. Due to his other commitments, he can only join the CSK campaign around April 21st to 23rd. Before the arrival of Spencer Johnson, CSK will have to manage on its own and survive the initial stage of the tournament without a proper bowler.
Predicted 11 of CSK by Krishnamachari Srikkanth
Krishnamachari Srikkanth predicted the playing 11 of CSK, which includes:
- Sanju Samson
- Ayush Mhatre
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Urvil Patel
- Dewald Brevis
- Shivam Dube
- MS Dhoni
- Prashant Veer
- Matt Henry
- Khaleel Ahmad
- Noor Ahmed
- Rahul Chahar (Impact Player)
This was the playing 11 predicted by Indian selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Surprisingly, Indian cricket analyst and commentator Akash Chopra predicted the playing 11 of CSK, and he included Kartik Sharma against Urvil Patel.
Conclusion
Chennai Super Kings look solid on paper; however, the unavailability of their main bowlers is the one thing that can affect the team. The batting lineup of the team is solid and full of aggressive hits, including Sanju Samson and Urvil Patel. Indian pressure Khalil Ahmad and New Zealand Pacer Mat Henry can handle the powerplay over; however, the death overs are something that needs to be fulfilled. Overall CSK side is solid, and they can be a threat to other teams.
Also read : Afghanistan vs Canada, Sanju Samson, ICC world cup 2026
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