IPL 2026 CSK Squad: Highest Paid Players and Salary Breakdown
Chennai Super Kings have long been one of the most successful and consistent teams in the Indian Premier League. However, in recent seasons, the team has struggled to maintain that dominance.
After finishing at the bottom of the table last season and starting IPL 2026 with back-to-back losses, questions are being raised about CSK’s form. That said, the tournament is still in its early stages, and with a talented squad, Chennai Super Kings still have the potential to turn things around.
Amid this performance dip, one thing that stands out is the hiked player salaries and high-value contracts within the CSK IPL 2026 squad. Here is a closer look at the highest paid players in the team this season.
Both players are earning Rs 18 crore this season, making them the top earners in the Chennai Super Kings squad. Their contracts reflect the hiked salary structure in IPL 2026, where top players continue to command premium deals.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was promoted as captain ahead of the 2025 season, replacing MS Dhoni. Interestingly, Dhoni is not among the top five highest paid players in the squad this season.
In exchange, CSK traded out Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
This high-profile trade reflects the changing dynamics of IPL teams, where franchises are willing to make bold moves and invest heavily in star players as part of their long-term strategy.
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, both playing their first IPL season, were bought for Rs 14.20 crore each in the auction. Their inclusion highlights the hiked auction prices and aggressive bidding trends in IPL 2026.
It also shows how franchises are increasingly investing in young talent with high potential.
Following him is Dewald Brevis, who is earning Rs 2 crore. Brevis was brought in as a replacement player last season and managed to impress despite limited opportunities.
These overseas signings reflect CSK’s strategy of balancing experienced international talent with domestic players.
However, Dewald Brevis is currently sidelined due to injury. He is not the only one unavailable, as MS Dhoni is also out of action at this stage of the tournament.
These absences could impact team combinations and performance in the early matches.
After finishing at the bottom of the table last season and starting IPL 2026 with back-to-back losses, questions are being raised about CSK’s form. That said, the tournament is still in its early stages, and with a talented squad, Chennai Super Kings still have the potential to turn things around.
Amid this performance dip, one thing that stands out is the hiked player salaries and high-value contracts within the CSK IPL 2026 squad. Here is a closer look at the highest paid players in the team this season.
Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad Lead CSK Salary List
The highest paid players in the CSK IPL 2026 squad are Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad.Both players are earning Rs 18 crore this season, making them the top earners in the Chennai Super Kings squad. Their contracts reflect the hiked salary structure in IPL 2026, where top players continue to command premium deals.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was promoted as captain ahead of the 2025 season, replacing MS Dhoni. Interestingly, Dhoni is not among the top five highest paid players in the squad this season.
Sanju Samson Joins CSK in Major Trade Move
Sanju Samson is playing his first season with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. He was traded from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the mini auction.In exchange, CSK traded out Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
This high-profile trade reflects the changing dynamics of IPL teams, where franchises are willing to make bold moves and invest heavily in star players as part of their long-term strategy.
IPL Debutants Among Top Earners in CSK Squad
One of the most surprising aspects of the CSK IPL 2026 salary list is the presence of debutants among the top earners.You may also like
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Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, both playing their first IPL season, were bought for Rs 14.20 crore each in the auction. Their inclusion highlights the hiked auction prices and aggressive bidding trends in IPL 2026.
It also shows how franchises are increasingly investing in young talent with high potential.
Highest Paid Overseas Players in CSK
When it comes to overseas players, Noor Ahmad is the highest paid in the CSK squad. The Afghanistan spinner is on a Rs 10 crore contract this season.Following him is Dewald Brevis, who is earning Rs 2 crore. Brevis was brought in as a replacement player last season and managed to impress despite limited opportunities.
These overseas signings reflect CSK’s strategy of balancing experienced international talent with domestic players.
Injury Updates and Player Availability
In IPL 2026 so far, Noor Ahmad has already featured in a couple of matches for CSK and has contributed to the bowling lineup.However, Dewald Brevis is currently sidelined due to injury. He is not the only one unavailable, as MS Dhoni is also out of action at this stage of the tournament.
These absences could impact team combinations and performance in the early matches.
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