Past India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Mohit Sharma Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, he announced his all-time playing XI for the franchise, with several notable picks and omissions sparking debate among fans. The seasoned seamer shared his picks during a chat on Cricbuzz, putting together a star-studded line-up dominated by players who have been instrumental in CSK’s most successful years.
Interestingly, Mohit chose to leave out the former CSK opener Murali VijayDespite the strong track record for the franchise. Vijay scored 1,708 runs in 70 innings for Chennai and was part of several memorable campaigns, but Mohit chose a different opening combination to start his all-time side.
Mohit Sharma’s 11th all-time run for CSK
A solid opening pair
Mohit chose the former Australian brave Michael Hussey and current CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad as the opening duet. Hussey was one of the most reliable batsmen in the franchise’s early years and played 50 matches for CSK, scoring 1,768 runs that included 13 half-centuries and one century. Known for his calm presence and consistency, Hussey played a key role in strengthening the top order in Chennai’s dominant phase.
Joining him at the top is Gaikwad, one of the modern pillars of the franchise. Since his debut in 2020, the elegant right-hander has become a central figure in CSK’s batting line-up. Gaikwad has scored 2502 runs in 70 innings for the team, recording 20 fifties and two centuries while leading the side in the current era.
Average star power
At number three, Mohit was named as the former captain of South Africa Faf du Plessis, He was instrumental in many successful campaigns for Chennai. Du Plessis scored 2,721 runs for the franchise and played a key role in the two title-winning seasons with his aggressive yet composed batting style.
The middle order continues with the legend of CSK Suresh Rainawidely regarded as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Raina remains CSK’s second-highest run-scorer with 4,687 runs in 171 innings and was a crucial figure in their dominance over several IPL seasons.
Ex-Indian Corpse Ambati Rayudu was selected in fifth place. Rayudu was instrumental in Chennai’s success during his tenure with the franchise, scoring 1,932 runs in 80 innings and leading the team to three IPL titles.
MS Dhoni leads a strong all-round core
No CSK squad would be complete without him MS Dhoniand Mohit named the legendary wicketkeeper as the captain of his all-time XI. Under Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai Super Kings have lifted five IPL titles and established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the league. Dhoni also remains the franchise’s highest run-scorer with 4,865 runs in 215 innings, including 22 half-centuries.
It starts with the all-around power of the side Ravindra Jadeja in number seven. Jadeja played 186 matches for CSK, contributing 2,198 runs and scoring 143 wickets, while providing exceptional fielding and balance to the side.
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A bowling attack full of match winners
The bowling department included veteran off-spinner Mohit Ravichandran AshwinDuring his time with Super Kings, he took 97 wickets in 106 matches.
West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo also made the cut. Bravo has been one of the most influential players in CSK history, scoring 1,004 runs in 116 matches and taking 140 wickets while helping the franchise win three IPL titles.
The former South African all-rounder Albie Morkel took place at number ten. Morkel was known for his explosive batting and useful medium pace, scoring 827 runs and 76 wickets in 78 matches for Chennai. The adjustment is completed by a swing specialist Deepak ChaharRepresenting CSK between 2018 and 2024 and claiming 76 wickets in 76 innings with the new ball brilliance.
Mohit Sharma’s all-time CSK XI: Michael Hussey, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dwayne Bravo, Albie Morkel, Deepak Chahar.
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