For years, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wore the “Dad’s Army” tag like a badge of honour. While the rest of the league chased youth, CSK trusted experience, juicing their might even after their respective peaks. It worked. Titles followed. So did respect. However, in the ever-evolving landscape of T20 cricket, nothing remains permanent. And Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni learnt this the hard way as they finished the IPL 2025 with a wooden spoon, CSK’s first major blemish ever.
Hence, CSK’s plans for the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi felt different. This time, CSK weren’t trying to buy back old friends or cling to comfort. They were planning for what comes next.
CSK go Gen-Z from Millennials
Back in 2021, when CSK lifted the title in Dubai, the core of the side was unmistakably veteran-heavy. Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, Dwayne Bravo and Imran Tahir formed the backbone. Not to mention, MS Dhoni was also touching 40 by then. The average age of that squad hovered around 31, and would have been closer to 33 if not for a few fringe youngsters like like Bhagath Varma and Dominic Drakes, who warmed the bench, obviously.
Fast forward to IPL 2026, and Chennai look absolute different. Even before the mini auction, Chennai realised that spending and backing in youth could help them big time. Their rotten wood pieces, like Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda, and Rahul Tripathi steered the side as the worst batting team in 2025. However, CSK got lucky with some injuries and managed to bring in the likes of Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, both who’s peak years are ahead of them.
CSK’s current squad has an average age of around 26–27. And even that number is skewed heavily by one man. Remove 44-year-old MS Dhoni, and it drops further. Instead of safe, familiar names, CSK went hard at the auction table for uncapped Indian talent. Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer were picked up for Rs 14.20 crore each, making them the joint-most expensive uncapped Indians in IPL auction history. It was fascinating on CSK’s part, who now have to form their lower-middle order on the back of these two talents.
Why CSK went all-in on Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer
Prashant Veer fits the CSK mould more than it might seem at first glance. A left-arm all-rounder, he dominated the Uttar Pradesh T20 League with 320 runs at an average of 64. He was already on CSK’s radar before the auction, having been called for trials. In many ways, he profiles as a long-term replacement for Ravindra Jadeja.
Kartik Sharma, meanwhile, is a finisher, something CSK value deeply. His numbers in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and overall T20 record back up the hype, and his ability to close innings has drew him admiration from the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin as well. Playing for Rajasthan in SMAT 2025, the keeper-batter has 133 runs from 5 innings and boasts of a strike rate of 160.24.
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