MS Dhoni and Sameer Rizvi [Source: AFP]Chennai Super Kings are going through a difficult start in IPL 2026. Notably, the five-time champions have lost their first two matches, making it one of their worst starts in recent seasons. The team is playing the opening matches of the season without their legendary player MS Dhoni, which has made things more challenging for them.At the same time, several former CSK players are performing extremely well for their new teams. Their performances are now getting attention through strong results on the field. These players once played for CSK, and now they are proving their value in different teams across the league.Let’s take a look at some of the former CSK players who are shining in IPL 2026.Ex-CSK players proving their value in IPL 2026Ravindra JadejaRavindra Jadeja moved to Rajasthan Royals after a major trade deal that involved Sanju Samson and Sam Curran. This move marked Jadeja’s return to Rajasthan Royals, which was also his first IPL team.Notably, he made an immediate impact for his new team. In Rajasthan Royals’ first match against CSK, Jadeja delivered a strong bowling performance. He took 2 wickets and gave only 18 runs in his spell. He dismissed key players like Shivam Dube and Sarfaraz Khan.His performance played an important role in the match and showed his experience and all-round ability.Sameer RizviSameer Rizvi has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in IPL 2026. He is currently playing for Delhi Capitals and has delivered impressive performances in back-to-back matches.CSK had earlier bought Rizvi for ₹8.40 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, which showed their long-term investment in young talent. However, he was released later and then bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹95 lakh in the 2025 mega auction. This move has worked very well for Delhi.In his first match of the season against LSG, Rizvi scored an unbeaten 70 runs and helped his team win the match. He played a responsible innings and built an important partnership in the middle order.In the next match against Mumbai Indians, he played another outstanding innings. He scored 90 runs off 51 balls and helped Delhi Capitals chase the target comfortably. With these performances, Rizvi has become one of the key players for Delhi this season.Also Read: Sameer Rizvi's IPL 2026 PriceTushar DeshpandeTushar Deshpande was picked by CSK in the 2022 mega auction for ₹20 lakh. He later became CSK’s highest wicket-taker in the 2023 title-winning season, taking 21 wickets in 16 matches.Later, he was released and then signed by Rajasthan Royals for ₹6.50 crore in the 2025 mega auction. He has continued to perform well for his new team.In the RR's second match against Gujarat Titans, he played an important role in Rajasthan Royals’ victory. The match went down to the final over, where Gujarat needed 10 runs to win. Deshpande bowled an excellent final over and conceded only four runs, which helped Rajasthan Royals win the match by six runs.Notably, CSK could feel the absence of Deshpande’s wicket-taking ability and effectiveness at the death, especially in tight matches, more so at a time when their pace attack has struggled this season.Shardul ThakurShardul Thakur was an important part of CSK during their title-winning seasons in 2018 and 2021. Later, he was released before the IPL 2025 auction.He then joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and later moved to Mumbai Indians. In IPL 2026, he made a strong start for Mumbai Indians.In his debut match for Mumbai Indians this season, Shardul Thakur picked up 3 wickets for 39 runs in his four overs.Lungi NgidiLungi Ngidi was part of Super Kings from 2018 to 2021. During that time, he played several important matches and took wickets regularly. Later, he was released by the franchise. Notably, the South African pacer is now playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 and has started the season in excellent form. In his first match of the season, he took 3 wickets while giving only 27 runs. Nevertheless, he continues to perform well and contribute with the ball for his new team.Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB vs CSK Prediction, Match 11- Who Will Win Today?
