5 CSK players who can be match-winners in IPL 2026

Published - 21 Mar 2026, 16:25 IST | Updated - 21 Mar 2026, 16:25 IST

A poor auction is not customary of a team that is five-time champions, but the Chennai Super Kings had a tumultuous one ahead of the 2026 IPL. There are a few holes within the team and the untimely injury of fast-bowler Nathan Ellis has thrown a spanner in the works for their season.

But despite this, the team in yellow has in their squad multiple proven match-winners, who can take the game away from the opposition in a jiffy. These players possess the ability to turn games around with either bat or ball, and their performances would be vital if CSK are to right the wrongs of 2025’s last-placed finish.

While CSK had a disastrous campaign in 2025, one of the standouts from their season was Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad. The left-arm wrist-spinner picked up 24 wickets at an average of 17, with batters often finding it difficult to play his bowling. Noor has been entrusted with the role of CSK'S lead spinner this season and is slated to play a big role for the team.

He was Chennai Super Kings’ most expensive buy in the 2025 Mega Auction, with the franchise shelling out INR 10 crore for his services, a testament to the faith that the management put on him.