“I think that is their concern area” - Former India coach’s massive statement on CSK after IPL 2026 auction

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar made a massive statement on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after the IPL 2026 auction. He highlighted an area of concern for the five-time champions.

Bangar reckoned that CSK's new ball attack could be a concern heading into the new season. He expressed that the team would once again have to rely on Khaleel Ahmed and a lot more on Nathan Ellis this time around. They have the option of New Zealand quick Matt Henry, who they acquired for ₹2 crore.

Bangar also praised the side for their auction overall. They went heavy on Indian domestic stars, roping in Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for a whopping ₹14.20 crore each. These were two record-breaking bids in IPL history.

"The concern for CSK would be the new ball attack. They will rely a lot on Ellis. Khaleel will look to play all the games. I think that is their concern area. They might play Matt Henry when they play outside Chepauk. That is the issue here. Last year we were asking why they are playing Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda so they have made those bold moves. They have faith in the four established batters they have. Overall, they have done a good job in the middle of a cycle," he said on ESPN Cricinfo.

Former India batter Abhinav Mukund also weighed in on their auction strategy, highlighting that they went for a major overhaul with their batting. Mukund reflected that they had a largely new-look top seven, including the likes of Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brecis, who came in as replacements in IPL 2025. However, he was slightly puzzled by their overseas picks.

"Everybody in their top seven, except for two batters, is new. Which means in one year, you have decided you need to make a mega shift. I think they got very lucky in the replacements. It is a huge reset. Cam Green was 25, Holder they went after. Then they decided to pick Matt Short. Then you pick Matt Henry. That's where I did not understand the clarity and the type they are going for. It just felt a little cluttered for me with regard to the overseas picks."

CSK's overseas buys at the IPL 2026 auction included Akeal Hosein (₹2 cr), Matt Henry (₹2 cr), Matthew Short (₹1.50 cr), and Zakary Foulkes (₹75 L).

Bangar also believed that the shift Chennai made from having experienced and older players to going after young and uncapped players was a major highlight of the auction. However, Mukund expressed that it was not a surprise, given that the uncapped players have been doing well in the ongoing domestic tournaments. Overall, he reckoned that all the teams showed more faith in uncapped players this time around.

Both Bangar and Mukund picked Prashant Veer as CSK's best buy at the IPL 2026 auction.

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Abhinav Mukund's cheeky comment on KKR acquiring ex-CSK players

Discussing the picks made by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the IPL 2026 auction, Abhinav Mukund made a cheeky comment. He stated that half of CSK had gone to KKR. The 2024 champions roped in Matheesha Pathirana for a massive ₹18 crore, which Mukund felt was a surprising move.

"On a lighter note, half of CSK has gone there. Pathirana at 18 was a surprise. He is not a regular for Sri Lanka. But maybe they think they want a death bowler. It was interesting for me," he said.

KKR roped in Pathirana, Rahul Tripathi, and Rachin Ravindra, who were all with CSK last season.

Talking about Kolkata, Sanjay Bangar reflected that they acquired three New Zealand players in Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and Ravindra at the IPL 2026 auction. However, he reckoned that none of the three would start in their playing XI.

"There are three Kiwis there but I don't think any of them will start. None of them fit in the finisher's role. You want to have Green batting at the top. None of the New Zealand guys figure themselves in the XI."

While Mukund was surprised by Pathirana's acquisition, Bangar picked the Sri Lanka pacer as KKR's best buy at the IPL 2026 auction.

Edited by Rishab Vm