With the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaching, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Robin Uthappa has shared his thoughts on how CSK should rebuild their squad after having a disappointing performance in the last season. Uthappa thinks CSK will go aggressively for two top overseas all-rounders, and these players have recently been released by their former teams.
Recently, CSK took a major step by trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran for Sanju Samson with the Rajasthan Royals. Jadeja has been a key member of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, but now, he will be playing for RR in the upcoming IPL 2026.
CSK lost the top two of their all-rounders, and now, they will be looking to add more quality players to fill those vacant spots. Chennai is known for the good auction picks, and they are expected to come up with some good strategies. CSK also has good purse value.
CSK’s Massive Squad Reset Before IPL 2026:
Ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction, CSK shocked everyone by releasing 11 players, including some big overseas names such as Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Sam Curran. With this, CSK have the second-highest purse of Rs. 43.4 crore for the mini-auction.
Robin Uthappa’s Picks: 2 Overseas All-Rounders CSK Should Target:
Robin Uthappa revealed two names he believes CSK will aggressively chase in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Both players have the ability to change matches with both bat and ball, and they fit the all-rounder spot, which is currently vacant in CSK’s squad.
Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell had a poor IPL 2205 season; he just scored 48 runs in 7 innings, but Uthappa thinks Maxwell’s all-round skills are what CSK will value. Maxwell is known for his aggressive batting, and he will be very useful in the shorter boundaries on the ground like Chepauk.
Uthappa explained:
“I know Stephen Fleming likes Maxwell, so they might go after him. Only CSK can handle his personality. I consider Maxwell more of a bowler than a batter in the IPL now. As a bowler, he has been consistent, and if his batting clicks, it’s a bonus.”
Liam Livingstone:
Liam Livingstone is known for his explosive batting and big six-hitting ability; however, he didn’t have an extraordinary performance in the last season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and therefore, they released him.
Uthappa’s suggestion was also backed by former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif, who said CSK should also target Liam Livingstone.
He said, “They will go behind the likes of Livingstone and Maxwell. Livingstone can be the sixth bowler and bat at five. CSK has always succeeded with all-rounders – Curran, Bravo, Morkel, Overton. Livingstone fits that style.”
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