Read Bengali: IPL: দিল্লির বিরুদ্ধে মরসুমের প্রথম জয় চেন্নাইয়ের, ফর্মে ফিরলেন সঞ্জু স্যামসন

Opting to bat first, CSK got off to a slow start with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling for timing (15 off 18). But Samson took charge, maintaining an aggressive tempo throughout and finding the perfect partner in young Ayush Mhatre, who chipped in with a fluent 59. The duo added 113 runs for the second wicket. In the end, Shivam Dube came in as a finisher (20 off 10) after Mhatre was retired out, helping push the total past 210.

In reply, Delhi Capitals began brightly with Pathum Nissanka racing to 41 off 24, but CSK’s pace attack soon took control. Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, and debutant Gurjapneet Singh each picked up key top-order wickets. Gurjapneet made an instant impact, dismissing DC captain Axar Patel with his very first ball in IPL.

The middle overs belonged to Jamie Overton, whose fiery spell of 4/18 choked the life out of DC’s chase. Tristan Stubbs fought hard with a valiant 60 off 38, and a brief partnership with Ashutosh Sharma kept hopes alive, but once Noor Ahmad broke that stand, the innings crumbled. Overton had the final say in a heated 19th over, dismissing a frustrated Stubbs.

Kamboj (3/35) wrapped up the tail efficiently as DC were bowled out for 189 in the final over.

It was a much-needed boost for the five-time champions, who had endured a slow start to the season. Samson’s explosive knock, combined with smart bowling variations on a tricky Chepauk surface, proved decisive.

Lucknow Super Giants did not retain him, so Miller has entered his name in this year’s auction pool. At this moment, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra mentioned on his YouTube channel that multiple teams might go after Miller.

Aakash Chopra said, “This is a very important series for David Miller. Even though Lucknow released him, he is still a quality cricketer. In today’s IPL, almost every team needs a finisher who can bat at No. 6 or 7. From Chennai Super Kings to Kolkata Knight Riders.”

He added, “Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and even Miller’s old team Gujarat Titans will be looking for a backup overseas batter. So there is a very high chance that Miller will be sold for a big price.”

A total of 1,390 players registered for the IPL 2026 auction. From that list, 350 players have been shortlisted—240 Indians and 110 overseas players. Across the 10 franchises, 77 slots are still open, including 31 spots reserved exclusively for overseas players. Naturally, the demand for established finishers like Miller is sky-high.

David Miller’s recent form and vast experience have made him one of the major attractions in the auction. As Chopra suggested, several teams are keeping an eye on him. If CSK, KKR, Delhi, Rajasthan, or even Gujarat decide to bid for him, it would come as no surprise.

With a remaining purse of ₹43.40 crore, the Super Kings are expected to take an aggressive approach, focusing on strengthening their batting, all-round abilities, spin department, and death bowling.

1. Overseas Finisher & Power All-Rounder – Top Priority

The exits of Jadeja and Curran have left a major void in the middle and lower-middle order. CSK urgently needs a powerful overseas finisher or an all-rounder capable of handling multiple roles.

Liam Livingstone (Released by RCB)
A destructive hitter who also offers useful leg-spin and off-spin—perfect for filling two roles at once.

David Miller (Released by LSG)
One of the most reliable death-overs finishers in the IPL with calmness and experience.

Cameron Green (Released by RCB)
Expected to be one of the most expensive buys, but his long-term value as a fast-bowling all-rounder makes him an attractive option.

2. Frontline Indian Spinner – Crucial for Chepauk

With the Jadeja–Ashwin era ending, CSK’s spin department looks thin. On the spin-friendly Chepauk pitch, a top-quality Indian spinner is indispensable.

Ravi Bishnoi (Released by LSG)
A consistent wicket-taking leg-spinner with the ability to win matches.

Rahul Chahar (Released by SRH)
Experienced, dependable, and proven in the T20 format.

3. Overseas Fast Bowler – Death Overs Specialist

After releasing Matheesha Pathirana, CSK’s death-overs bowling has become uncertain. Their primary strategy will be to re-buy Pathirana at a lower price.
If that doesn’t work:

Gerald Coetzee (Released by GT)
A fiery, aggressive pacer capable of taking wickets with raw pace.

Anrich Nortje (Released by DC)
A seasoned international fast bowler known for his express speed.

4. Indian Batting & All-Round Depth

To strengthen domestic batting depth and add flexibility, CSK may target:

Venkatesh Iyer (Released by KKR)
Can bat anywhere from opening to middle order, plus useful medium pace.

Prithvi Shaw (Released by DC)
A fearless attacking opener who can also serve as a strong backup option.

Conclusion

The IPL 2026 Mega Auction is not just a talent hunt for CSK—it is the foundation for building their next era. With Sanju Samson already secured, the focus now shifts to strong all-rounders, quality spinners, and reliable death-bowling specialists. And with a hefty purse remaining, CSK might produce some major surprises on auction day.

In the 2023 IPL auction, KKR bought Mitchell Starc for a record ₹24.75 crore, while Pat Cummins was purchased by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹20.5 crore. At that time, Sam Curran’s ₹18.5 crore deal created relatively less buzz.

Cameron Green was bought by Mumbai Indians for ₹17.5 crore in 2023. The following year, he was traded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the same amount.
Across the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons, Green played 29 matches, scoring 707 runs at a strike rate of 153.70.
For the 2026 auction, he has listed himself with the highest base price of ₹2 crore.

New “Maximum Fee” Rule

Under the new rule, the maximum auction price for any overseas player cannot exceed ₹18 crore. If a franchise bids more than ₹18 crore, the extra amount will be deposited into the BCCI’s Player Welfare Fund, rather than going to the player.

This rule applies particularly to mini-auctions, so that foreign players cannot exploit supply-demand imbalances to earn excessively high amounts.

An IPL source clarified:

“If the highest bid in a mega auction is ₹20 crore, then the maximum limit for the next mini-auction will be ₹18 crore.”

“If the highest bid in a mega auction is ₹16 crore, then the mini-auction limit will also be ₹16 crore.”

Indian Players Not Affected

This rule does not apply to Indian players.
Indian players will receive the full auction amount, and the sum will be fully deducted from the franchise’s purse.

Auction Details

A total of 77 slots will be filled this year, including 31 overseas slots. The list of 16 capped Indian players is still being processed based on franchise preferences.

The auction will be held on 16 December, where the combination of Cameron Green’s high demand and the new salary cap rule is expected to be one of the biggest talking points for IPL fans.

KKR’s primary aim is to strengthen their squad after Andre Russell’s release by adding a powerful overseas hitter and a fast-bowling option. On the other hand, Chennai is mainly focused on rebuilding the team balance. They are looking for a player who can perform in the top order and also provide depth with medium-fast bowling.

Cameron Green fits both requirements perfectly. His all-round abilities and world-class performances have made him the “most valuable” target of the auction. With a base price of ₹2 crore, a fierce bidding war is expected for this pace-bowling all-rounder. Experts predict that his price could cross the ₹15 crore mark.

Cricket fans are buzzing with excitement. Who will win this auction battle—CSK or KKR? This December auction is surely set to be an electrifying battlefield.

ব্যাটিং শক্তি বাড়াতে নিলামে এই প্রাক্তনীকে টার্গেট নাইট শিবিরের!

Amid all this, reports suggest that a former Chennai Super Kings player might return to Kolkata. At the center of speculation is Indian batter Rahul Tripathi.

Released by CSK — Is Rahul Tripathi Set to Return to KKR?

Ahead of the 2026 auction, KKR holds the highest purse amount, and the management aims to spend it wisely by securing an experienced and reliable batsman. According to national media reports, KKR is targeting Rahul Tripathi to bring stability to the top order.

However, Tripathi’s recent form hasn’t been impressive. For Chennai Super Kings in the last IPL, he played only 5 matches and scored just 55 runs. Yet he scored a remarkable 413 runs in 14 matches in the 2022 season—a performance that had put him back into the spotlight.

Despite his current slump, franchises still remember his experience and explosive innings from earlier seasons. If KKR brings him back, the Indian batsman will have to repay that faith by rediscovering his old form.

Rahul & KKR — Will the Old Partnership Return?

Rahul Tripathi began his IPL journey in 2017, scoring 391 runs in his debut season and instantly catching attention. He later played for KKR in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, during which his partnership with Manish Pandey became quite memorable.

This is why Tripathi’s fans are hopeful. They believe KKR might bring back the familiar face because an experienced Indian top-order batsman can be crucial to strengthening the batting lineup for the new season.

Looking Ahead — KKR’s Plans Are Clear

The exclusion of names like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer from the retention list made it clear that KKR are heading for major changes. Ensuring consistency in batting is now their top priority. If Rahul Tripathi returns, he could provide both experience and aggressive batting at the top.

কলকাতা থেকে বিতাড়িত ভেঙ্কটেশ প্রতি আগ্রহ এই দুই দলের!

Despite being released, several strong franchises are reportedly still interested in acquiring him. Sources suggest that two teams are ready to spend big at the upcoming IPL auction to secure his services.

Chennai Super Kings: Fighting with New Energy

Last season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had one of the toughest IPL campaigns of their career. Injuries to key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad further hampered the team’s performance, and they ended the season at the bottom of the points table. According to reports from CricTracker, CSK could spend heavily at the IPL 2026 auction to bring Venkatesh Iyer on board, aiming to strengthen their squad with renewed energy.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: A High-Profile Target

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also fell short of success last season despite strong efforts. However, the team plans to compete with full strength in the upcoming IPL. As part of their strategy, SRH is expected to target skilled and experienced players at the auction. Reports indicate that Venkatesh Iyer is on their wishlist, though the franchise has not officially confirmed anything.

With the IPL auction approaching, all eyes are on Venkatesh Iyer—how much he will go for and which team will secure his services has become one of the most exciting talking points among fans and analysts alike.

সঞ্জুকে চেন্নাই নিলে, ‘জাদ্দুর’ সঙ্গে এই তারকা পেসারকে চাইছে রাজস্থান!

Chennai Super Kings Keen on Signing Sanju

According to reports, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been in serious talks with Rajasthan Royals to acquire Sanju Samson. Rajasthan, too, is reportedly open to releasing their skipper — but with one major condition: CSK must trade both Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in return.

Sources suggest that CSK initially showed interest in this deal but later clarified that no move would be made without Jadeja’s consent, as the all-rounder remains a vital part of their setup.

Rajasthan’s New Demand: Not Curran, But Pathirana!

The situation has since changed dramatically. Latest reports indicate that Rajasthan Royals have modified their offer, now demanding Sri Lankan pacer Matheesa Pathirana along with Jadeja, instead of Sam Curran.

However, Chennai is reluctant to accept this condition. After internal discussions between captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, coach Stephen Fleming, and mentor MS Dhoni, CSK has made it clear: “We can talk about Jadeja, but Pathirana — our future star — is absolutely untouchable.”

Delhi Capitals Were Also in the Race

Earlier, Delhi Capitals had also shown interest in Sanju Samson. They reportedly offered Tristan Stubbs to Rajasthan, but the Royals demanded young Indian batter Sameer Rizvi as well. Delhi refused, and the deal fell through.

At present, Rajasthan and Chennai remain the only two teams actively discussing a potential Sanju Samson trade.

It’s worth noting that Ravindra Jadeja began his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals, even winning the inaugural season with them. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has spent over 11 years with Rajasthan, leading the team in recent seasons. After the previous IPL season, Sanju had hinted that “it might be time for a change.”

Now, with Rajasthan unwilling to compromise on their new demand and Chennai refusing to give up Pathirana, Sanju’s future remains uncertain. All eyes are on November 15, when the retention lists will finally reveal whether Sanju stays with Rajasthan or dons yellow for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026.

নিলামের আগেই অবসর নিচ্ছেন ‘থালা’? জানালাম চেন্নাই সুপার কিংসের CEO

In a conversation with Provoke Lifestyle magazine alongside his grandson Noah, Viswanathan said, “No, he’s not retiring before this IPL.” When asked about Dhoni’s retirement plans, he smiled and added, “I’ll let you know after talking to him.” His remarks make it quite evident that Mahi’s cricketing journey isn’t over yet.

The 2025 IPL season, however, was a disappointing one for Chennai Super Kings. The five-time champions managed to win only four out of 14 matches and, for the first time in their history, finished at the bottom of the points table. Following that poor performance, rumors swirled that perhaps fans had seen Dhoni on the field for the last time. But the CSK CEO’s comments have temporarily put an end to those speculations.

Dhoni has led Chennai Super Kings since the inception of the IPL in 2008. Under his captaincy, the team has won five IPL titles — in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. CSK’s consistent performances and frequent playoff appearances stand as a testament to Dhoni’s leadership.

Recently, Dhoni himself made some intriguing comments about his future. In an interview with Harsha Bhogle, he said, “It actually depends. I have four to five months to decide.” He further added, “I’m not saying I’m done, but I’m not saying I’ll come back either. I have to keep myself fit — this is professional cricket, you have to be at your best.”

His words make it clear that Dhoni’s final decision will depend on his physical fitness and mental readiness. Even at 44, his fitness and on-field presence continue to thrill cricket fans.

Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK has become more than just a team — it’s a brand. That’s why every time the question of his retirement arises, it stirs deep emotions among fans. But after the CEO’s latest statement, supporters now have fresh hope — they’ll get to see ‘Thala’ Dhoni in action for at least one more season.