IPL 2026: S Badrinath Explains Why CSK Could Gain Big by Picking Overlooked Indian Leg-Spinner at Auction
Badrinath urges CSK to target Ravi Bishnoi and a top death bowler in the IPL 2026 auction to rebuild after a poor 2025 season.
CSK are preparing for a major rebuild after finishing 10th in IPL 2025, and former batter S Badrinath believes the first name they must chase in the 2026 auction is leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
He said Bishnoi’s release from Lucknow Super Giants has opened a big opportunity for CSK, who enter the mini auction with INR 43.4 crore and nine slots, including four overseas.
Badrinath said, “He’ll be a great option, one CSK will definitely target. They are without two specialist spinners, Jadeja and Ashwin. They definitely need a spinner, and Ravi Bishnoi will be a four, over bowler.”
He added that wrist spinners often do well at Chepauk and paired with Noor Ahmad, Bishnoi could become a strong spin force. “Noor Ahmad and Ravi Bishnoi will form a super combination. He’ll probably go for a high price, but CSK will benefit if they buy him,” he said.
Death Bowling Also a Priority
Along with a frontline spinner, Badrinath wants CSK to fix their death bowling. He said the team cannot afford to go into another season without a reliable option at the end of the innings.
He said, “CSK definitely need a death bowler. Anrich Nortje is a tearaway fast bowler who can bowl with the new ball and in the end overs.”
He also pointed to Gerald Coetzee, who has experience with Joburg Super Kings, and a possible return for Matheesha Pathirana. “Buying Matheesha Pathirana back for a lower price won’t be a bad option. But a death bowler is a must for CSK, for which they can go for one of these three options,” he added.
The IPL 2026 mini auction is set for December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. With a big purse and a clear need to refresh their bowling unit, CSK will hope to bring in key pieces and bounce back strong after a forgettable 2025 season.
