How CSK Can Make a Comeback in IPL 2027

Since winning the title in 2023, things have not gone well for the five time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They failed to reach the playoffs in the next three seasons. The last two seasons were among the worst in their history as they finished bottom in 2025 and eighth in 2026.

The franchise now have several problems to solve. They will need to make some important changes to their squad and make smart decisions at the IPL 2027 auction.

Here we look at how CSK can make a comeback in IPL 2027.

Chennai Super Kings need to change their opening pair

Chennai Super Kings had Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad as their opening pair in the previous season. Before the start of the campaign, many expected the combination to work well, but they failed to deliver, especially Ruturaj. He scored 337 runs at a strike rate of 123.44, which resulted in a slow scoring rate during the powerplay.

Whereas, Sanju Samson had a decent season, scoring 477 runs at a strike rate of 165.62.

However, CSK may look to change their opening pair for IPL 2027. Sanju can continue as an opener, while Ruturaj may move to No. 3. and then they can add an aggressive opener who could give them runs at a better strike rate.

Ayush Mhatre could be one possible option. He was playing at No. 3 for them but was ruled out after the second match of the season. CSK could try Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre as their opening pair, or they could look for an aggressive opener at the IPL 2027 auction.

CSK must strengthen their All-Rounder options

Chennai Super Kings are lacking in one key area, and that is all-rounders. Before IPL 2026, they had Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, but both are now with Rajasthan Royals. The team did not had similar options last season.

Shivam Dube is more of a batting all-rounder, while Jamie Overton is more of a bowling all-rounder. They also had young Prashant Veer, but he is still inexperienced.

CSK will have to look for an all-rounder at the IPL 2027 auction, and this could be one area where they spend their money.

ALSO READ:

CSK should target an Indian spinner

CSK have Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein as their overseas spinners, and both did well for the team. However, they cannot play both spinners in every condition because they can have only four overseas players in the playing XI. This can affect their team combination.

So, another area the franchise could target is an Indian spinner. In 2025, they had Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, which allowed them to play Noor as their only overseas spinner. However, they did not have the same option in IPL 2026 and they suffered. To make a comeback in IPL 2027, they should look for a quality Indian spinner who can bowl four overs when needed.

Overseas pacer a key need for CSK

Teams that have done well in the IPL and won the title have usually had at least one quality overseas pacer. This is one area CSK need to strengthen. They have Nathan Ellis, but he missed the previous season due to injury. Jamie Overton is another option, while Matt Henry played only three matches and had an economy rate of 13.00. Chennai Super Kings may decide to release him before the IPL 2027 auction.

Mohammad Amir could be a target for CSK if he registers his name in the IPL 2027 auction. He will strengthen their pace attack.

For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.