Mohammad Kaif suggests bowlers CSK could target in IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons Chennai Super Kings could target Akash Madhwal in IPL 2026 auction as he can get the ball to reverse swing at Chepauk. The right-arm pacer scalped four pacer in four matches for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 but he has been released by the franchise ahead of IPL 2026 auction. 

In IPL 2024, Madhwal scalped five wickets in five matches for Mumbai Indians. The right-arm pacer had hogged the limelight as he had scalped 14 wickets in eight matches of IPL 2023 at an average of 15.64 and economy rate of 8.58.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “CSK can target Akash Madhawal in the IPL 2026 auction. He has reverse swing, which can prove helpful in Chennai. When the ball is pitched, there is roughness because it is dry. See, there is no Deshpande, Deepak Chahar, they back Indian bowlers. Among spinners, there are not many options. Bishnoi might be cheap, so they might take him.”

On the other hand, Kaif said Nathan Ellis will be CSK’s main bowler in the next season of the IPL. Ellis has a lot of variations under his belt and he would look to deliver the goods.

“Nathan Ellis will be the main bowler for CSK. He will come one change. Khaleel and Kamboj will start. I think Ellis will bowl a game-changing spell. He has started to trust his game. His execution has become better; he was already skilful. He will be CSK’s primary bowler in this IPL season.”

“Nathan Ellis has regained his form; he has learned more about his game. He bowls bouncers at 145-150 kmph, has a good slower ball, and a yorker. He’s an improved player. Sanju Samson is an able player. He has a good record opening the innings. So, these 3-4 cricketers who have come in will play a big role,” he added.

Ellis recently scalped nine wickets in five matches against India and he was the series’ leading wicket-taker.