The upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction has thrown a curveball at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The franchise had its eyes set on power-hitters like Andre Russell and Glenn Maxwell to bolster their finishing department. However, with Russell retiring from the league and Maxwell opting out, CSK’s plans have hit a snag. With a hefty purse of ₹43.4 crore, the "Yellove Army" must now look for alternatives, and South African veteran David Miller might just be the perfect fit.
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The need for a reliable finisher has become critical for CSK. While the legendary MS Dhoni had a stellar 2024 season with a strike rate of 220.55, his productivity saw a significant dip in 2025. Despite scoring more runs (196 in 2025 compared to 161 in 2024), his strike rate plummeted to 135.17, and the team often lacked that final cutting edge in close games.
This is where David Miller enters the picture. Recently released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after an underwhelming season where he had limited opportunities, Miller could be the bargain buy of the auction.
With his base price starting from 2 Cr, Miller’s stats speak for themselves, particularly in the crucial death overs (16-20). He has played 93 innings in this phase, amassing 1,378 runs off just 805 balls. His impressive strike rate of 171.2 in the death overs proves he has the calm head and explosive power CSK desperately needs to support Dhoni.
Moreover, Miller brings tactical balance. With Ravindra Jadeja moving to the Rajasthan Royals, CSK is left with Shivam Dube as the only left-hander in the top seven. Miller’s presence would restore the vital left-right batting combination that disrupts bowlers' rhythm.
In a market where reliable finishers are rare, snapping up a proven match-winner like David Miller could be the masterstroke that solves CSK's finishing woes for 2026.
