Main points:
Chennai Super Kings has given a clear indication of changing its old identity in the IPL 2026 auction. Instead of relying on experienced players, the team invested in young and new talent. By giving big contracts, the franchise has adopted a new strategy keeping the future in mind.
Delhi: The mini auction for IPL 2026 gave many different messages and showed colors but the most talked about one is Chennai Super Kings’ attempt to change its image. Made significant changes to the team structure and shed the label of ‘Dad’s Army’, creating a new identity in preparation for the future. The hallmark of their previous era was to play with older and experienced players and now the team has embarked on a policy of creating a younger, more dynamic core. After this auction, the average age of the team has decreased and this happened due to buying young players. This is not just a coincidence, it is an effort as part of a well-thought-out policy.
New strategy seen in IPL 2026 auction
This also includes the fact that even though Dhoni is still with him, many old players retired/left the team/the role in the team was reduced and only then did space become available for new and young talent. Although this policy had started with the appointment of young Rituraj Gaikwad as the captain, the proof of this was found in this time’s auction. Now they are moving away from the label of ‘Dad’s Army’ and turning into ‘Gen Z’. Spent almost 60 percent of its purse on those players who are ‘new’ and this is the new policy of the team.
New generation gets a chance in Dhoni’s presence
When Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma were not even born, MS Dhoni was a well-known star cricketer of India. Now, after getting a contract of Rs 14.20 crore from Chennai Super Kings, Prashant and Karthik will play with Dhoni and learn a lot from him. Not everyone got the opportunity to share the dressing room with Dhoni.
Only time will tell whether Karthik will get a chance to wear the wicket-keeping gloves in the presence of Sanju Samson and Dhoni or whether Prashant will actually be a long-term replacement for Ravindra Jadeja for the team, but it is certain that Chennai Super Kings have accepted the challenge in the future and have started walking on the path of change. Earlier, the policy of trusting tried and tested players (for both Indians and foreigners) was such that they did not spend much money on new talent. I don’t even know how, once Karnataka spent around Rs 10 crore on off-spinner Krishnappa Gautam, it did not waste any time in showing him the way out without giving him a fair chance.
Did the changes come because of AR Srikanth?
Is this change a result of AR Srikkanth’s arrival in the franchise camp? He was with Kolkata Knight Riders for many years and brought many excellent local and global talents to this team. Now Srikanth is the head of talent and player acquisition in Chennai Super Kings. He is recognized as one of the best cricket scouts in the world. It is clear that his vote must have been special for players like Prashant and Karthik. Now Chennai Super Kings, instead of worrying about the current years, is investing more in building a team for the future. Not only Karthik and Prashant, young Akil Hussain also came into the team.
Team being formed keeping the future in mind
Chennai Super Kings Chief Coach Stephen Fleming credits this change to the IPL and believes that due to the IPL, such talent is coming to the fore that the teams are thinking beyond the experienced players. Note for Chennai Super Kings:
- A contract worth Rs 14.2 crore was given to Prashant Veer and it became a record for the biggest contract in IPL for any uncapped player.
- Within 15 minutes, Rs 14.2 crore was also spent on Karthik Sharma.
- Now the team also includes 18 year old Ayush Mhatre, 19 year old Karthik Sharma, 20 year old Prashant Veer and 22 year old Dewald Brevis. Urvil Patel is 27 years old and Sarfaraz Khan is 28 years old.
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