CSK X-factors for IPL 2026 [Source: @iplt20.com]The IPL 2026 season will commence on March 28, and all ten teams will fight it out for the coveted trophy. The defending champions, RCB, will start as firm favourites, but never rule out MS Dhoni’s CSK as the Yellow Army have assembled a plethora of quality players for the 2026 IPL.The last two IPL campaigns were poor for the CSK side, as they finished 10th and 5th in the previous two editions. The team will aim to bounce back in the 2026 campaign as they have built a strong core.To win an IPL trophy, every player needs to contribute (either with bat or ball). CSK have assembled quality stars in their ranks for IPL 2026, and here are 3 X-factor players who can help them win the IPL championship for the sixth time.1) Kartik Sharma - CSK's 14.2 crore buyIn a surprising turn of events, CSK invested 14.2 crores each on two youngsters, Prashant Veer, and Kartik Sharma. The move was a shocker since the franchise is known for spending on experienced players, but this season, they altered their game plan.Between the two 14.2 crore stars, Kartik Sharma seems to be the more promising one, as the young gun has the capability to become MS Dhoni’s successor as the future CSK finisher.A promising wicket-keeper batter, Kartik Sharma, could straightaway be slotted in the playing XI, and having not played an IPL match, teams would hardly know about his weaknesses.The 19-year-old has played just 12 T20 matches, and the stats reveal the entire story. Kartik, in just 12 matches, has scored 334 runs, with a strike rate of 162.92. He has dominated the proceedings in the domestic circuit, and the Rajasthan cricketer could be CSK’s biggest surprise weapon for IPL 2026.Also Read: MS Dhoni Gives Golden Advice To CSK's 14.2 Crore Signing Before IPL 20262) Dewald BrevisLast season, CSK made a shrewd signing as they replaced the injured Gurjapneet Singh with South African superstar, Dewald Brevis. The result was magic for the franchise as he smacked 225 runs in six matches, with a strike rate of 180.In just six matches, the Proteas batter made a strong impact, and as a result, expect the explosive batter to fire all guns blazing for CSK in IPL 2026. He can bat at 3 for them, can also play at 4, or at number 5, as he offers flexibility in terms of the batting position.CriterionSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableDataSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableMatchesSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table16SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableRunsSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table455SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableStrike rateSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table153.20SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table(Brevis stats in IPL)A proven scorer in the IPL, Brevis has racked up 455 runs in 16 IPL games, with a healthy strike-rate of 153. Brevis is arguably CSK’s best hitter in the middle-order, and despite boasting some promising names in the team, the South African will hold the key to their title ambitions.3) Nathan EllisThis year, CSK has four quality overseas pacers in Jamie Overton, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, and Nathan Ellis. However, the one who automatically stands out is the Aussie bowler, Ellis. A proven match-winner for his national team, the right-arm quick bowler is deceptive and will be the key for CSK on wickets where the ball will hold onto the surface.CriterionSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableDataSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableMatchesSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table36SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableDismissalsSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table55SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableAverageSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table17.78SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableEconomySelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table7.79SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table(Nathan Ellis T20I stats)He has little experience of playing in the IPL (18 matches), but it is on the international stage where he has shown his skills.He can replicate the same form and consistency for CSK in the IPL, as conditions in India will suit his style of bowling. While the other CSK bowlers have pace, Ellis has the skill set to trouble the best in the business.Also Read: Not 7! MS Dhoni Sparks New IPL Jersey Number Speculations With Cryptic Post
