CSK Buys Akeal Hosein in a Steal Deal in IPL Auction 2026

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction started at 2.30 PM in Abu Dhabi. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) entered the auction with the highest purse, and as everybody predicted, they engaged in a tough fight for Cameron Green. They crossed the ₹18 crore mark and went up to ₹25.20 crores when CSK backed out of the bidding war.

After trying for several players, CSK finally got hold of Akeal Hosein in the IPL auction. Akeal Hosein IPL auction 2026, was bought by CSK at his base price of ₹2 crores.

Was Akeal Hosein a Steal Deal for CSK?

Akeal Hosein CSK is something that the fans hadn't expected, but it looks like a steal deal for several reasons. The spin bowler will mark his presence in the IPL for the first time, and he couldn't have gotten a better stadium than Chepauk, which is spin-friendly. While it's too early to say anything regarding his performance in the IPL as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Akeal Hosein IPL new team will surely give him a platform to perform and showcase his talent. In international cricket, he is one of the best spinners, taking wickets at crucial stages of the game. In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, Hosein can be a good replacement for him in the middle overs.

CSK management went to buy other players as well, including Ravi Bishnoi, but the Rajasthan Royals (RR) bought the player. CSK bought Prashant Veer for ₹14.20 crores. The young all-rounder became the highest paid uncapped player in IPL 2026 auction. While the Super Kings still have a lot of money in their purse, they are going to be quite busy in the rest of the auction.

Akeal Hosein Might Become Ravindra Jadeja's Replacement in CSK

In 2013, Akeal Hosein made a tweet saying, “Someday I'll become a player like him” and had tagged Ravindra Jadeja. 12 years later, he is almost set to be a like-for-like replacement for his then-idol Jadeja, who played for CSK in the IPL for years. He was a valuable all-rounder for the Super Kings, helping them win the IPL 2023 by smashing a six and a boundary. Ahead of the IPL, Jadeja was traded to the Rajasthan Royals, and CSK have been looking for a replacement for him.

The Super Kings have Hosein and Prashant Veer as two all-rounders who can become the next Jadeja for the team. While Hosein is a proven player in international cricket, Prashant has been incredible in domestic cricket. He scored 376 runs and claimed 18 wickets in seven matches in the Men's U-23 tournament. If Prashant and Akeal Hosein get a chance to play in the IPL, CSK will have a great chance to win many matches. The last few seasons haven't been good for CSK, and they will hope to change their future with a good auction on December 16. The Super Kings last won the IPL back in 2023 against the Gujarat Titans and is one of the best team in IPL.