Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a disastrous IPL 2025 campaign, finishing last in the table with only four wins in 14 games. The untimely injury to skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, the bad form of experienced top-order batters, and the inconsistency of pacers hurt them badly. The solution for their problems could be Ben Duckett to CSK in IPL 2026.

Why Should CSK Choose Duckett?

In particular, openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra struggled with consistency and low strike rates, which could be credited to CSK powerplay score getting a hit. Hence, the franchise is expected to release the duo and bring another experienced overseas star in the mini-auction. The individual could be Ben Duckett, who has been the poster boy of England’s Bazball approach in Test cricket. Ben Duckett in IPL Auction 2026 will be an opportunity for the five-time IPL champions.

How Does Ben Duckett to CSK Solve Problems for the 5-Time Champions?

In recent years, Ben Duckett has transitioned into an all-format batter, consistently displaying his scoring prowess. Making his Test debut in 2016, Duckett could only appear in a solitary game. However, the County Championship 2022 saw him score over 1,000 runs at an average of 72.28, which fueled his international comeback.

A dashing ton from Ben Duckett to set the foundation for England’s chase at Headingley 🔥#ENGvIND 📝: https://t.co/62moN1iHJB pic.twitter.com/qJqfHREnQZ

— ICC (@ICC) June 24, 2025

Interestingly, Duckett’s comeback coincided with Brendon McCullum becoming the red-ball coach of England in 2022. He was also back in the T20I side in the same year. Since then, the left-hander has only gone upwards with his performances and been the flag bearer for English cricket. It is worth noting that Ben Duckett doesn’t often leave balls like the conventional batters. He has been productive in churning out runs and has a plethora of shots in his arsenal. Along with the traditional shots, Duckett also employs sweeps, reverse sweeps, and switch hits to outsmart the bowlers.

Duckett’s adaptability to score runs on Indian pitches was witnessed at Rajkot in 2024, when he slammed 153, albeit in a losing cause. The reliability of his contributions can also be gauged by taking a look at his opening stats in Tests with Zak Crawley. In 55 games together since 2022, the pair has racked up 2,511 runs at an average of 46.50, which includes five century stands.

Ben Duckett’s strokeplay and ability to score runs across varied surfaces have allowed England to dominate the proceedings and free up the pressure from the middle-order. With a positive start, the middle-order batters receive a cushion to play their natural game. In the 2024 season, CSK lacked a brisk start in the first six overs and often lost quick wickets. As a result, they were under pressure in the middle-overs, with their attempt to resurrect the team’s innings and also accelerate the run rate.

The likes of Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, and Rahul Tripathi failed badly in helping the Chennai-based franchise in the middle-order. They are likely to be released ahead of the mini-auction. With Ben Duckett at the top, CSK will have a proven performer in the international circuit and one who knows the value of his wicket. The Headingley Test against India in 2025 saw Duckett rise on the occasion of a high-pressure game. He switched his gears and adopted the Bazball approach to score 149 off 170, and help England chase 371 on Day 5. When talking about his T20 record, Duckett has amassed 5,301 runs in 211 games at an average of 30.64 and a strike rate of 140.49. He has registered 34 fifties, with a best knock of 96.

Although Duckett has a knack for scoring runs at a fast pace, he doesn’t look reckless with his approach. Instead, he has the preconceived notion and judges the ball early, which could help push CSK powerplay score in the 2026 edition. Ben Duckett to CSK could be an interesting proposition due to the bright future prospect. Currently, aged 30, the southpaw could easily be playing until the early part of the next decade and laying a strong foundation for them in the top order. With his no-nonsense approach, consistency, and clear thinking, Ben Duckett in IPL auction could attract big bids from a few of the franchises.

CSK Should Target Ben Duckett in IPL Auction

Ben Duckett registered for the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 2 crore. However, he couldn’t fetch any interest from the franchise and went unsold. However, he will be again up for grabs in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, which provides another chance for the Super Kings to secure the services of Duckett.

“If the Sanju deal fails, CSK will go into auctions and try to rope in Cam Green and Ben ducket” Cricbuzz pic.twitter.com/f0bbpRRvPq

— Sergio (@SergioCSKK) August 16, 2025

The Super Kings require an opener who can work in tandem with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who often takes the game deep. At one end, Duckett could be taking on the bowlers to increase CSK powerplay score, while Gaikwad could be steering the side to a big total. Although Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and Dewald Brevis have infused fresh energy into the CSK setup, they still need experienced players to step up in crunch situations. With a traditional approach being outdated, the English opener could offer novelty to CSK for helping them succeed in IPL 2026.

🚨🟡 𝐀𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐒: CSK Reportedly Eyeing Australian All-Rounder Cameron Green & English Opener Ben Duckett. #CSK #IPL2026 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/rrr1JaizrS

— Super Kings Centre (@superkingcentre) August 16, 2025

Hence, Ben Duckett to CSK could be a perfect match for the franchise and also help the English batter display his T20 talent in the world’s biggest T20 league.