The 4 Best CSK Trade Targets in IPL 2026 Revealed

The IPL 2026 mini auction is going to be a very important one for Chennai Super Kings (CSK trade targets in IPL 2026), particularly following their poor IPL 2025 campaign. For the first time in 18 seasons, CSK were last-placed, and the franchise had to re-strategise and recharge its squad. With senior players approaching retirement and uncertainty over MS Dhoni’s participation, the team is expected to be on the lookout for fresh talent and experienced all-rounders. Here’s a closer look at some standout CSK player trade targets for the upcoming season.

Contents

1 4 Likely CSK Trade Targets in IPL 2026
2 Sanju Samson Trade Speculations
3 Why These Players Make Sense for CSK?

4 Likely CSK Trade Targets in IPL 2026

Glenn Maxwell

Role: All-Rounder
Current Team: Punjab Kings (Australia)

Glenn Maxwell is an exciting all-rounder who is famous for his aggressive batting and capability to revolutionise matches within a few overs, making him one of the most thrilling CSK trade targets in IPL 2026. Having a career strike rate of 155.15 with 18 T20 fifties, Maxwell’s destructive batting can provide CSK the power it requires during the middle order. Also, his off-spin bowling gives the side a useful bowling option, particularly on spin-friendly Chepauk surfaces.

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Beyond stats, Maxwell brings invaluable experience from international cricket and previous IPL seasons, contributing leadership qualities and strategic insights. They must look to Maxwell as a potential target in the list for CSK player trade targets since his all-around abilities would fortify batting and bowling versatility in tight spots, while also adding depth to the squad in high-pressure scenarios.

Jonny Bairstow

Role: WK-Batter
Current Team: Mumbai Indians (England)

Jonny Bairstow adds attack and solidity to the top order, making him a prime pick among potential CSK trade targets in IPL 2026. With more than 1,600 runs scored from 52 IPL games, Bairstow is comfortable providing his team with explosive starts and performing well in subcontinental conditions. His wicketkeeping role adds flexibility to team combinations, which is highly useful for a squad trying to balance experience with youth.

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Beyond his batting, Bairstow brings invaluable international experience and the ability to handle high-pressure situations, making him a versatile match-winner. CSK must look to bring in Bairstow as a key important CSK player trade targets to revitalise their batting line-up, counter spin early, and boost overall scoring potential while strengthening the squad for crunch encounters in IPL 2026.

Jason Holder

Role: All-Rounder
Current Team: Unsold in IPL 2025 (West Indies)

Jason Holder is an experienced all-rounder with stability both with the bat and ball, ranking high among CSK trade targets in IPL 2026. His ability to bowl tight overs at the powerplay and score crucial runs at the death aligns with CSK’s tradition of valuing calm, experienced players. Holder’s T20 franchise experience worldwide makes him one of the reliable CSK player trade targets, capable of strengthening lower-order batting while providing captaincy and bowling flexibility if senior players step back.

Shardul Thakur

Role: All-Rounder
Current Team: Lucknow Super Giants (India)

Former CSK player Shardul Thakur could be a smart choice among CSK trade targets in IPL 2026. With his handy lower-order batting and steady seam bowling, Thakur impressed while filling in for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. Already familiar with the CSK environment, he brings knowledge of the franchise’s culture. Thakur’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a versatile player which should be added to the list of CSK player trade targets, adding depth to the team that desperately needs it after a poor season.

Sanju Samson Trade Speculations

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has been at the centre of trade discussions leading up to IPL 2026. Reports indicate Samson requested a release from Rajasthan Royals, sparking speculation about his next move. Chennai Super Kings (potential CSK signings for IPL 2026) was reportedly a possible destination, though CSK is said to have declined Rajasthan’s proposal, which included swapping Samson for key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube.

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Former CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin noted that acquiring Samson would require CSK to give away players whose total worth matches Samson’s ₹18 crore contract. This makes such a trade unlikely. Despite this, Samson is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), signalling that a move from Rajasthan Royals is still possible. Such developments keep him among the high-profile CSK player trade targets that fans are watching closely.

Why These Players Make Sense for CSK?

The combination of Maxwell, Bairstow, Holder, Thakur, and potentially Samson provides CSK with aggression, experience, and versatility, making them some of the most important CSK trade targets in IPL 2026. Acquiring these players will stabilise CSK’s unstable opening combinations and strengthen a middle order capable of finishing games under pressure. Each player fills gaps in the existing squad while preparing CSK for transitions if senior stars like MS Dhoni step back.

With the mini auction approaching, the franchise will focus on boosting all-around skills and firepower in the batting order. These potential CSK signings for IPL 2026 and key CSK acquisitions bring individual brilliance and versatility, capable of performing in multiple roles crucial for a team recovering from a historic low. Fans can anticipate CSK being proactive during the trade window, pursuing players who can provide both immediate impact and long-term stability.