Chennai Super Kings have strengthened their preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League season by bringing in former Rajasthan Royals spinner Kumar Kartikeya as a net bowler. The move comes as the five-time champions look to bounce back after finishing at the bottom of the table in the previous campaign.
Kartikeya, who went unsold during the IPL 2026 auction in December after Rajasthan Royals chose not to retain him, will now work closely with the CSK squad during training sessions. The experienced left-arm spinner is expected to help the team’s batters prepare for spin-friendly conditions, particularly at their home ground in Chepauk, which is known for assisting slower bowlers.
The 28-year-old brings valuable experience despite not being part of any squad for the upcoming season. His presence in the nets will allow CSK’s batting lineup to sharpen their skills against quality spin, something the franchise considers vital for success in the subcontinent’s conditions.
CSK have also added another promising bowler to their practice setup, recruiting Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Adil Ayub Tunda as a net bowler. The inclusion of young talents in the training group reflects the franchise’s efforts to build depth and maintain competitive standards ahead of the new season.
Kartikeya’s IPL career has seen him represent two franchises. Last season with Rajasthan Royals, he played four matches and claimed two wickets. Prior to that, he spent three seasons with Mumbai Indians from 2022 to 2024. Although he featured regularly in his first two years with the franchise, he did not get a chance to play in the 2024 season and was later released.
Overall, the spinner has played 16 matches in the IPL and taken 12 wickets. While he remains without a team for the 2026 season, Kartikeya could still find himself back in the tournament if a franchise requires a replacement player due to injuries or squad changes. Strong performances in the CSK nets could put him back on the radar of team management and scouts.
Chennai Super Kings have undergone significant changes in their spin department ahead of the new campaign. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retired from the IPL, while star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was traded to Rajasthan Royals alongside Sam Curran. In exchange, CSK secured India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.
To rebuild their spin resources, the franchise made several key additions during the IPL 2026 auction. CSK signed uncapped all-rounder Prashant Veer for a record INR 14.2 crore, making him one of the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. The team also brought in West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hossein.
Left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad, along with all-rounders Shreyas Gopal and Matthew Short, are expected to play important roles in CSK’s revamped spin attack this season.
