Chennai Super Kings had a very disappointing last season as they finished last in the IPL for the first time in their history. The five-time champions struggled in both batting and bowling, while even MS Dhoni taking over the captaincy due to an injury of Ruturaj Gaikwad couldn’t change their result. CSK won only four out of their 14 matches, with several problems consistently hurting the team. But the good news for them is that, at least on paper, one of the biggest weaknesses from last season seems under control ahead of the next IPL auction. Top Order Looks Strong Again The powerplay batting was their greatest concern last season as they were the slowest scoring team in the first six overs, losing the most wickets in that phase as well. Gaikwad was injured and was unable to play a lot of matches. Other Indian and overseas batters too failed to give good starts. Things look a lot better now for the CSK, though. The team made some smart replacement signings late in the season, and the blockbuster trade of Sanju Samson has boosted the top order. Samson has power, timing, and a lot of experience, and was until recently India's regular T20I opener. He and Gaikwad form a fine opening duo, and bowlers will find it very tough to keep CSK quiet in the powerplay. But the team has an exciting option in the name of Ayush Mhatre, a young and talented opener. Also Read | 3 Team Likely to Target Prithvi Shaw in IPL 2026 Mini-Auction Great form of Ayush Mhatre Ayush Mhatre was not acquired in the last auction as he was only 17, and the franchises thought him too young and raw. But CSK saw his potential and signed him mid-season as a replacement for Gaikwad. The teen went on to impress all and made an impact straightaway. Mhatre made 240 runs in just seven matches at a strike rate of 189. His fearless batting earned him a retention spot for the next season. He is now in tremendous form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and on Friday he hit 110 not out against Vidarbha to become the youngest to score a century in all three formats, breaking Rohit Sharma’s record. Urvil Patel is another replacement player who scored a 31-ball hundred for Gujarat in the very same tournament. Yet, with all such form, he may not fit into the CSK playing XI owing to the heavy competition. This shows how fast things have changed for CSK. Possible Batting Line-Up for CSK in IPL 2026 CSK's probable top five looks strong: Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Dewald Brevis. This combination offers power, stability, youth, and experience. But the lower order has a gap due to Ravindra Jadeja's exit. CSK have the second-biggest purse going into the auction, and they are expected to target a big all-rounder, Cameron Green or Andre Russell. If CSK get Russell at No. 6 and MS Dhoni plays after him, then the team can be one of the most dangerous batting units next season. Bowling Remains a Concern While the batting problems appear to be nearing an end, CSK still have to sort out their bowling attack. The spin department is a big concern, and the team will have to invest intelligently in the auction to come up with a better bowling unit. The upcoming auction will have a huge say in shaping the squad of CSK for IPL 2026. A much stronger top order, coupled with fresh young talents, will help CSK to hopefully bounce back and put up a much better season.