3 reasons why CSK must go all out for Glenn Maxwell in IPL 2026 Auction

As the IPL 2026 auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, approaches, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be looking to sign some of the biggest names as they aim for their sixth title, and their first since 2023.

Ahead of the auction, CSK made headlines with a blockbuster trade, bringing in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) while parting ways with veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and England’s Sam Curran.

With the departure of these two all-rounders, along with Deepak Hooda and Rachin Ravindra, CSK will be keen to strengthen this area in the squad. One player who fits the bill perfectly is Australia’s Glenn Maxwell. The experienced all-rounder was released by Punjab Kings (PBKS) after a disappointing 2025 season and will now enter the auction, presenting a prime opportunity for CSK to secure his services.

On that note, here are three reasons why CSK must go all out for Glenn Maxwell in the IPL 2026 auction.

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#1 Glenn Maxwell can fulfill CSK’s need for a spin-bowling all-rounder

With Chennai Super Kings letting go of Ravindra Jadeja, their premier spin all-rounder, alongside Rachin Ravindra and Deepak Hooda, the team currently lacks a quality spin-bowling all-rounder. In this scenario, the Super Kings should strongly consider signing Glenn Maxwell, given his proven all-round capabilities.

The 37-year-old is well-known for his destructive batting and can also bowl effectively with both the new ball and in the middle overs, providing the squad with much-needed balance. In the IPL, Maxwell has bowled in 85 innings, taking 41 wickets at an average of 34.46, a strike rate of 24.9, and an economy of 8.29. With the bat, he has amassed 2,819 runs in 135 innings at an average of 23.88 and a strike rate of 155.14, including 18 fifties.

With such credentials, Maxwell emerges as an ideal fit as the Super Kings look to add a fresh face to their spin-bowling all-rounder department, strengthening both the batting and bowling balance of the team.

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#2 Proven ability to dominate spinners and finish games

Another key reason Chennai Super Kings should consider going all out for Glenn Maxwell is his ability to dominate spinners and finish games. In the 2025 edition, CSK’s batters often struggled to score freely, a challenge Maxwell’s arrival could help overcome.

The right-handed batter has, in 105 IPL innings, a strike rate of 161.8 against spin, scoring 1,403 runs at an average of 23.4, including 99 maximums. Beyond his prowess against spin, Maxwell has consistently demonstrated his ability to finish games, both for Australia and in franchise leagues worldwide.

Looking specifically at the death overs in the IPL, he has accumulated 446 runs in 37 innings at a strike rate of 183.5, highlighting his capacity to perform under pressure and shine in the most critical phases of the game.

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#3 Maxwell could be CSK’s top option with Andre Russell retiring from the IPL

Another reason Chennai Super Kings must go all out for Glenn Maxwell in the IPL 2026 auction is Andre Russell’s retirement from the league. The former West Indies all-rounder announced his decision on November 30 and will be joining three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a power-hitting coach.

Meanwhile, seam-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green might now be the most sought-after player in the upcoming auction, and with KKR’s remaining purse of INR 64.30 crore, the Super Kings may miss out on securing the Australian.

In these circumstances, Maxwell emerges as the top option for CSK. He not only fills several key needs of the franchise but also brings all-round abilities, providing balance to both batting and bowling, making him an ideal target in the upcoming auction.