"His reverse swing can prove helpful in Chennai" - Mohammad Kaif suggests bowlers CSK could target in IPL 2026 auction

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has advised the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to target Akash Madhawal in the IPL 2026 auction. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the medium pacer could generate reverse swing and trouble batters in Chennai. While citing the examples of Tushar Deshpande and Deepak Chahar, he added that the Super Kings are known to back Indian bowlers.

Kaif further hinted that the five-match champions might buy leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who has been released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the veteran said:

“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.”

Madhawal had a breakthrough IPL season with the Mumbai Indians in 2023, picking up 14 wickets in eight matches. Overall, he has scalped 23 wickets in 17 games. Purchased for INR 1.20 crore in 2025, Rajasthan Royals (RR) released him before the IPL 2026 auction.

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“He will be CSK’s primary bowler in this IPL season” – Mohammad Kaif picks Nathan Ellis as the main bowler for CSK in IPL 2026

Mohammad Kaif reckons that Australia’s Nathan Ellis will be the main strike bowler among overseas options for CSK in IPL 2026. The 44-year-old credited him for improving his game over the last few months. He said in the same interaction:

“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.

With nine wickets in five matches, Nathan Ellis recently emerged as the highest-wicket taker in the T20I series against India. Surprisingly, the Super Kings only played him in one game last season. His best IPL season came with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2023, when he bagged 13 wickets in 10 innings.