Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should strongly consider going after England all-rounder Liam Livingstone in the IPL 2026 auction. All 10 teams revealed their retained and released players on November 15, and Livingstone was among those let go by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). RCB had bought him for ₹8.75 crore in the previous season, but he couldn’t meet expectations.
He managed 112 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 133.33 and picked up two wickets in five innings. However, after IPL 2025, he bounced back impressively in The Hundred and the Vitality Blast, scoring a combined 501 runs in 15 innings and grabbing 13 wickets in 12 matches.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Livingstone would be an ideal addition to CSK and backed the franchise to invest heavily in him. Kaif noted that Livingstone could serve as their fifth or sixth bowling option while also strengthening the middle order with his batting.
“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.
Here are three reasons CSK should target Liam Livingstone in the IPL 2026 auction:
#1 Liam Livingstone stands out as the most suitable all-rounder for CSK
CSK will have several all-rounder options at the auction, including Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell, Cameron Green, and Liam Livingstone. However, since Russell and Green rely on pace, they may not be as effective in Chepauk’s spin-friendly conditions. Livingstone’s off-spin makes him a better fit for CSK, and he can comfortably take the No. 5 spot.
With MS Dhoni no longer batting higher in the order, the team needs a powerful middle-order hitter. Livingstone could pair well with Shivam Dube at No. 4. As Dube excels against spin, opponents may counter him with pace. Livingstone becomes vital in such moments, as he attacks pace confidently and helps unsettle bowlers in the middle overs
#2 Livingstone’s spin could play a major role
With Ravichandran Ashwin retired and Ravindra Jadeja traded to the Rajasthan Royals (RR), CSK enter the auction with limited spin-bowling options. As an off-spin bowling all-rounder, Liam Livingstone would bring significant value at Chepauk, where the surface naturally supports spinners. CSK also prefer having a sixth bowling option who can deliver quality spin, making Livingstone even more useful.
In addition, Livingstone has enhanced his skillset by mixing in leg-spin alongside his off-spin. This added variety makes him an even stronger asset, especially with Ashwin and Jadeja no longer in the squad. His versatility could fill a crucial gap in CSK’s spin attack.
#3 CSK may find it easier to secure Livingstone than other players at the auction
Big names like Andre Russell, Cameron Green, and Glenn Maxwell are likely to generate plenty of interest at the auction, sparking heavy bidding and driving up prices. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who have the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore, are expected to aggressively chase players like Green, Maxwell, or even attempt to bring Russell back.
With these marquee all-rounders set to attract intense competition, Liam Livingstone could be a more accessible pick for CSK. They may be able to sign him for a lower price compared to Russell or Green, while still adding significant value to their squad.
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