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Ravindra Jadeja

Indian Replacement for Jadeja at CSK in IPL 2026

Whenever we talk about a Jadeja Replacement, the first place we should be looking at is India’s domestic circuit. Overseas all-rounders might offer experience, but Indian options give us flexibility in the XI and allow us to play a stronger overseas core elsewhere.

And with the IPL 2026 Auction shaping up to be one of the most important in CSK’s recent history, we don’t have the luxury of gambling on foreigners when reliable Indian spin-bowling all-rounders are available.

The truth is simple: if we want to rebuild the balance Jadeja gave us, we need a player who can bowl consistently, bat in the lower middle order, and handle pressure in slow, turning conditions. That narrows the list, but it doesn’t empty it. There are three Indian names who can realistically step into the CSK system and strengthen our CSK all-rounders and CSK spinners group going forward.

Indian Players who can act as Jadeja Replacement

India’s talent pool is deep, and while none are proven at Jadeja’s level yet, several impactful match-winners have the potential to step into his role. Replacing Ravindra Jadeja’s greatness will take time, so fans must stay patient. Below is a list of Indian players who could replace Jadeja in future auctions.

Tanush Kotian — The Most Complete Domestic Option

Tanush Kotian is one of the most underrated players in Indian domestic cricket. He has been part of IPL squads before but barely got game time, which has wrongly convinced many that he isn’t IPL material. That’s nonsense. Kotian is 27, experienced, and offers exactly the kind of versatility CSK values.

His first-class numbers are outstanding:

  • 43 matches
  • 129 wickets
  • 2120 runs

That is elite for an Indian spin-bowling all-rounder. He’s not a tailender who occasionally swings; he is a proper lower-order contributor who understands long-format batting and can grind if needed.

In T20 cricket, his value becomes even clearer:

  • 33 wickets in 33 T20S
  • Economy under 7

This alone puts him ahead of most domestic spin options. His off-spin is tight, disciplined, and suited for conditions like Chepauk. And unlike many bowlers, he doesn’t hide—he bowls attacking lines and forces batters into mistakes.

Kotian, as a Jadeja replacement, works because he isn’t flashy. He offers control, balance, and the ability to slot in at No. 7 or 8. If CSK wants a domestic, long-term, low-risk option, Kotian is the smartest pick of the three.

Tanay Thyagarajan — The Most Explosive Spin Hitter on the List

Hyderabad’s Tanay Thyagarajan is 30 years old and, arguably, the most explosive lower-order batter among the Indian spin options. He is a left-arm spinner who can hit big, and that alone makes him valuable in the modern IPL.

Let’s break down his domestic numbers:

  • 34 first-class matches
  • 155 wickets
  • 852 runs

Those are serious stats. Tanay is not a part-timer or a bits-and-pieces cricketer; he is a full-fledged bowling all-rounder with a high ceiling. But where he truly stands out is in T20 impact. His strike rate is around 140, which is rare for Indian spinners who typically bat at No. 8 or 9.

CSK have always valued players who can contribute in both dimensions, even if they aren’t superstars. Tanay ticks exactly that box. His left-arm angle gives us variety, something we currently lack after Jadeja’s exit. He bowls with dip, uses the crease well, and has shown that he can handle pressure overs for Hyderabad.

If we want a Jadeja role-cover rather than a Jadeja clone, Tanay fits. He gives us a bowler first, then a hitter who can finish games late if needed. And with Samson now part of the setup, we need lower-order firepower. Tanay brings that.

Karn Sharma — The Proven IPL Performer Who Can Step In Instantly

People unfairly label Karn Sharma as just a specialist spinner. That’s lazy analysis. He has played across franchises, delivered in high-pressure situations, and even produced one of the most dramatic finishes in IPL 2024 when he smashed three sixes off Mitchell Starc, needing 24 in the final over.

His overall T20 record is far better than what fans assume:

  • 184 matches
  • 161 wickets
  • 1544 runs at a strike rate close to 130

That is the definition of a reliable bowling all-rounder.

Karn understands CSK’s culture too; he has already played three seasons for us. He knows Chepauk, knows the tempo, and knows exactly what the franchise demands from its spinners. He isn’t a long-term project, but he is a plug-and-play option who can step in on day one and cover Jadeja’s bowling overs without hesitation. CSK need bowlers who can bat, not batters who can bowl. Karn fits the requirement perfectly. He’s experienced, battle-tested, and offers immediate value.

Can CSK find Jadeja Replacement?

Finding a Jadeja Replacement from the Indian pool isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible either. Tanush Kotian gives us control and consistency, Tanay Thyagarajan gives us variety and hitting power, and Karn Sharma gives us experience and immediate impact. If CSK want to maintain balance without reshuffling the entire XI, one of these three Indian all-rounders needs to walk into the squad at the IPL 2026 Auction.