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Time is a funny concept. It affects everyone and everything. But in MS Dhoni's case, the handcuffs of ageing are unnaturally slow-paced. Unfortunately, however, at 44 years of age, MS Dhoni's form and appearances at the crease have finally started showing signs of age. And with Thala's trusted Thalapathy, Ravindra Jadeja, also being traded to RR, CSK find themselves in a bit of a pickle heading into the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction.
Chennai Super Kings surprisingly parted ways with a huge pool of talented players, including the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Matheesha Pathirana. The storied franchise is looking for a complete overhaul come the Mini-Auctions, and the gap they will look to fill in will be the Finisher's role.
The options on the table are aplenty. But we have narrowed it down to 3 players who CSK will absolutely go after in the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction.
1. Glenn Maxwell
First up, "The Big Show." You know this guy. Glenn Maxwell is a total wildcard; he can win you a game in ten balls or be back in the dugout in one. But here’s why he’s perfect for CSK: the man eats spin bowling for breakfast. He just smashes it. And where does CSK play half its games? On the slow, turning, gripping pitch at Chepauk. It’s a match made in heaven. He’s already shown he can handle the Chennai track, too, averaging a very healthy 44 with a strike rate of almost 148 in his four innings there. The best part? He’s not just a bat. With Jadeja gone, Maxwell steps right in and gives you four killer overs of off-spin. That’s a two-for-one deal right there.
2. Andre Russell
If CSK wants pure, terrifying power, "Dre Russ" is the answer. The name alone makes bowlers nervous. This guy is the total package. We’re talking about a man who has blasted over 2,650 runs in his IPL career at a ridiculous strike rate of 174. He just hits the ball differently. But it’s not just about the bat. Russell is a seriously smart and experienced death bowler. He’s got 123 IPL wickets to his name, and his real magic is in his variations. Just imagine his clever, slower balls and cutters on that sticky Chepauk pitch. It would be an absolute nightmare for batsmen to try and get away. He’s the definition of an all-round match-winner.
3. Cameron Green
This last one is a different kind of buy. Cameron Green isn't your traditional, last-five-overs-only finisher. He’s a long-term investment. This dude is young, built like a tank, and has every skill in the book. He can bat with explosive power in the middle order (he’s got a 47-ball 100 on his resume) and his career strike rate is already over 153. On top of that, he can bowl genuinely quick, even with the new ball. The main thing here is his age. With Dhoni finally hanging up the gloves, Green is the kind of player you build your new core around for the next ten years. He’s not just a quick fix; he’s the future.
