Aakash Chopra picks CSK playing 12 after IPL 2026 auction; goes with only 2 overseas players

Former India opener Aakash Chopra picked his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) playing 12 for IPL 2026, a week after the recent auction (via his X handle). In a surprising choice, Chopra had only two overseas players, Noor Ahmad and Dewald Brevis, in his lineup.

The former batter went with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and the talented Ayush Mhatre as his two openers. CSK's big off-season signing through trade, Sanju Samson, came in at No.3.

Young wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma, who they bagged for ₹14.20 crore, was next in the order at No.4. He was followed by the big-hitting duo, Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube.

CSK's other big buy, left-arm spinning all-rounder Prashant Veer, came in at No.7, followed by former captain MS Dhoni at No.8. Chopra rounded off his playing 11 with the spin duo of Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar, followed by left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed.

Chahar was CSK's third-highest buy of the IPL 2026 auction, behind the two uncapped players, at ₹5.20 crore. Right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj was listed as the Impact Sub.

Aakash Chopra's 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

IMP SUB: Anshul Kamboj

CSK looks to avoid an unwanted hat-trick in IPL 2026

CSK have been undoubtedly the most consistent franchise in IPL history, winning a joint-record five titles and qualifying for the playoffs in 14 out of their 18 seasons. Yet, the ongoing decade has seen the Men in Yellow suffer more misses than hits.

The five-time champions have missed the playoffs in four out of their last six seasons, despite the other two resulting in title runs. Furthermore, CSK missed the playoffs in back-to-back IPL seasons for the first time in franchise history in 2024 and 2025.

They also endured a bottom-place finish for the first time in their otherwise stellar history in the 2025 season. With a moderately revamped squad, CSK will look to avoid a hat-trick of playoff non-qualification in the upcoming 2026 edition.

Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue to captain the side for a third consecutive season despite his first two stints ending in league-stage exits.

Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran