As MS Dhoni’s future in IPL remains uncertain, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) must prepare for life beyond their legendary captain. As Chennai Super Kings begin to look beyond the Dhoni era, the ongoing IPL 2026 trade window offers them a perfect opportunity to bring in a reliable finisher and revamp their lower order. Here are three promising finishers CSK could target via trade:

1. Ashutosh Sharma – Delhi Capitals

Why he’s a top candidate:

  • At just 26, Ashutosh has quickly built a reputation for handling pressure and producing match-turning cameos.
  • After strong performances with Punjab Kings (2024) and Delhi Capitals (2025), he’s become one of the league’s most promising young finishers.
  • His cool temperament and ability to accelerate in the death overs could make him an ideal long-term replacement for Dhoni.

Potential trade scenario:

CSK may offer a rising all-rounder like Rachin Ravindra a tempting deal for Delhi, especially with Faf du Plessis nearing retirement and inconsistent top-order options like Fraser-McGurk.

2. Marcus Stoinis – Punjab Kings

Why he makes sense for CSK:

  • While Stoinis had a subdued IPL 2025 (160 runs in 13 games), his overall T20 experience and power-hitting credentials remain strong.
  • With his ODI career now behind him, he’s fully committed to T20 cricket, which adds value for a franchise like CSK aiming to strengthen its lower middle order.

Possible Trade Approach:

One option on the table is trading Jamie Overton to Punjab Kings, offering them a pace-bowling all-rounder in return. Alternatively, if CSK wants to preserve their squad balance, a straight cash deal for someone like Marcus Stoinis could make more sense.

3. Rahul Tewatia – Gujarat Titans

Why he’s a Dhoni-style finisher:

  • Tewatia has consistently delivered under pressure with late-over heroics and six-hitting ability.
  • His calmness and reliability at the back end of the innings have drawn comparisons to Dhoni’s finishing role.
  • Additionally, his part-time spin adds tactical depth.

What a trade might look like:

Gujarat Titans could ask for Sam Curran or Jamie Overton, both pace-bowling all-rounders who fit GT’s middle-order and bowling needs;a cash-based trade is also a realistic option.

Closing Take

With the trade window open until just before the mini-auction, this is CSK’s moment to think smart and act early. Strengthening their finisher slot now could pay off big when the next season rolls around.

Whether they go with the youth and potential of Ashutosh Sharma, the experience of Marcus Stoinis, or the reliability of Rahul Tewatia, each of these players brings something vital to CSK’s next chapter. MS Dhoni’s boots are big ones to fill but these finishers might just be up for it.

Written by RITESH SINGH 

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