IPL 2026: Predicted Playing XI for Chennai Super Kings - SportstarAyush Mhatre - Captain of the Indian team which recently won the ICC Men’s U-19 World CupAfter a solid T20 World Cup campaign with the national team, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is set to make his CSK debut and is expected to open the innings with MhatreRuturaj Gaikwad, who had to hand over the reins to M.S. Dhoni midway through last season after being ruled out due to an injury, will hope to lead CSK to its sixth IPL titleYoung South African batter Dewald Brevis made instant impact after being signed last season as an injury replacement and the yellow brigade had no hesitation in retaining himShivam Dube has the ability to hit big shots and also, chip in with a few overs of right-arm medium paceCSK retained Jamie Overton - a 31-year-old right-arm pacer from England who can also contribute with the bat if neededPhoto Credit: Getty ImagesPrashant Veer, the joint-most expensive uncapped player in IPL history after being picked by CSK for Rs. 14.20 crore, is a talented 20-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Uttar PradeshFormer Indian and CSK captain M S Dhoni will continue to be a member of the squad at the age of 44 while also mentoring youngsters such as Prashant VeerNoor Ahmad, the 21-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Afghanistan, was CSK’s most expensive buy at the 2025 auction and the team decided to retain him after an impressive last season in which he took 24 wicketsNew Zealand pacer Matt Henry’s ability to swing the new ball makes him extremely dangerous and CSK will hope that the Kiwi will bring that magic when he plays for the five-time IPL championIndian left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed brings variety to CSK’s bowling attack and after taking 15 wickets in the previous season, the yellow brigade retained himAnshul Kamboj, the pacer from Haryana, provides a valuable option as an impact player