3 reasons why CSK must go all out for Liam Livingstone in IPL 2026 Auction

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) must look to target English all-rounder Liam Livingstone during the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. All ten franchises announced their lists of retained and released players on Saturday, November 15.

Liam Livingstone was released by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He was acquired for ₹8.75 crore last season but did not deliver as expected. The right-hander scored 112 runs from eight innings at a strike-rate of 133.33 and bagged two wickets in five innings.

However, he displayed solid form in The Hundred and the Vitality Blast post IPL 2025. He scored 501 runs in 15 innings combined, along with 13 wickets in 12 innings.

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif reckoned that Liam Livingstone would be a perfect fit for CSK and that they should go all out for the all-rounder. Kaif reflected that Livingstone could be their fifth or sixth bowler who can also bat in the middle.

"Livingstone will also suit Chennai. He could become their sixth bowler who bats at five. Dhoni does not come up the order now, so they need batters. CSK have a history of batting deep and looking at all-rounders," he said on his YouTube channel.

That said, here are three reasons why CSK must go all out for Liam Livingstone at the IPL 2026 auction.

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#3 Liam Livingstone would be the best-suited all-rounder for CSK

CSK will have the option to explore various all-rounders at the auction, such as Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell, and Cameron Green, along with Liam Livingstone. As Russell and Green are pace bowling all-rounders, they may not prove to be as effective in their home conditions at the Chepauk.

Given Livingstone bowls off-spin, he could suit the side best and slot in at number five. With MS Dhoni no longer batting up the order, they will need a hard-hitter in the middle.

Livingstone could work well with Shivam Dube at four. As Dube is known for his ability to take down spinners, teams could look to attack him with pace. Livingstone's role would become important there as he plays pacers well and can take them on coming in alongside Dube, which would make it difficult for the opposition.

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#2 Livingstone's spin could be a huge factor

With Ravichandran Ashwin having retired and Ravindra Jadeja traded to the Rajasthan Royals (RR), CSK lack options in the spin department ahead of the auction.

Liam Livingstone, being an all-rounder who bowls off-spin, would add a lot of value with his skills at Chepauk. With the wicket assisting spinners, CSK would always like to have that extra option of a sixth bowler being a spinner.

Moreover, Livingstone has upgraded his game and also bowls a bit of leg-spin with his off-spinners. Therefore, having added a new dimension to his bowling, he would become a valuable fit in the team, particularly in the absence of Ashwin and Jadeja.

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#1 CSK can get Livingstone easier compared to others at the auction

There is expected to be a buzz around the likes of Andre Russell, Cameron Green, and Glenn Maxwell at the auction. These players could attract big money at the auction and create bidding wars among teams.

Notably, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will enter the auction with the biggest purse of ₹64.30 crore. In all likelihood, they will go behind the likes of Green, Maxwell, or even look to buy Russell back.

With these all-rounders expected to have a hype and bidding competition at the auction, Liam Livingstone could be an easier target for CSK, who they can acquire at a lesser price as compared to Russell or Green. It is needless to say that he also fits into their side by bringing more value.