When it comes to the 2017 IPL season, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble believes the Chennai Super Kings would be better off relying on newer and fresher talent rather than the older veterans. In 2025, for the first time in their IPL existence, CSK ended in the bottom.
Kumble defended his stance by pointing out that Ravindra Jadeja joined the Rajasthan Royals in 2017 after playing for the team for eight straight seasons.
Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will probably form the foundation of CSK’s batting order in the top six.
As evidenced by Ravindra Jadeja’s trade to the Rajasthan Royals, they must move past their ageing stars, Kumble said at a Jiostar event.
In order to match players like Nathan Ellis and Khaleel Ahmed, Kumble believed that CSK would need to bolster their fast-bowling unit in light of Pathirana’s release.
After Pathirana was released, their bowling has to be strengthened. With Noor Ahmad as the wrist spinner, Nathan Ellis emerges as their key overseas fast bowler. In addition to Khaleel Ahmed, they still need more Indian fast bowlers and an Indian spinner to take Jadeja’s place. Additionally, he said, “an additional fast bowler from abroad would help balance their attack.”
The former Indian leg-spinner also expressed his happiness at Ruturaj Gaikwad’s reappointment as captain following the previous season’s injury setback. He believed that Gaikwad ought to bat first alongside either Sanu Samson or Ayush Mhatre.
“After his injury last season, it’s wonderful to see Ruturaj Gaikwad back as captain of the Chennai Super Kings. It seems obvious to me that he should open the batting himself. Ruturaj is most effective as an opener for CSK, even though they have Sanju Samson and the talented Ayush Mhatre. The squad will have the stability it needs thanks to his leadership and top-spot batting, Kumble said.
The Men in Yellow have kept 16 players ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, leaving them with nine spots up for grabs and INR 43.4 crore in prize money. On December 16, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will host the auction.
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