Former India opener predicts CSK's playing 12 after IPL 2026 mini-auction; goes with only 2 overseas players

Former India opener Aakash Chopra named his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) playing 12 for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The five-time champions invested in youth in the IPL 2026 mini-auction last week and will look to bounce back strongly after finishing at the foot of the table last season.

While naming his picks in a video shared on his 'X' handle, Chopra made an interesting call, as he kept only two overseas players - Noor Ahmad and Dewald Brevis - in the side.

The cricketer-turned-expert had the young and talented Ayush Mhatre opening the batting with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Sanju Samson, who was traded in before the auction from the Rajasthan Royals, was picked by Chopra to bat at No. 3.

At No. 4, Chopra decided to go with young Kartik Sharma, who was signed at the auction for a whopping INR 14.2 crore. Brevis and Shivam Dube followed him in Chopra's batting order.

In the seventh position, the former Delhi captain picked all-rounder Prashant Veer, who also bagged an INR 14.2 crore contract at the auction. The legendary MS Dhoni slots in at No. 8 in Chopra's line-up.

The spin attack comprises wrist spinners Noor and Rahul Chahar. Meanwhile, Khaleel Ahmed is the only specialist pacer in Chopra's XI. Right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj, who recently made his international debut during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, is the designated Impact Player in the line-up.

Aakash Chopra's predicted CSK Playing 12 for IPL 2026: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni, Noor Ahmad, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed.

Impact Player: Anshul Kamboj.

CSK went into the auction with the second-highest purse of INR 43.4 crore. They made some wholesale changes to their squad, releasing out-of-form veterans like Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, and Vijay Shankar, and acquiring the services of youngsters like Kartik and Veer, among others. The Men in Yellow will be determined to make it to the playoffs after missing out in the last two editions of the cash-rich league.