MS Dhoni's CSK interested in another MI star [Source: AFP]The last three IPL seasons have been a disaster for the Chennai Super Kings. After capturing their fifth IPL championship in 2023, the Yellow Army has failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of their last three campaigns.The franchise knows they desperately need to improve their squad before the IPL 2026 begins, and they are leaving no stones unturned to improve their team for the next season.The former IPL winners are reportedly interested in getting their hands on the Mumbai Indians captain, Hardik Pandya, and if that was not enough, CSK are also interested in going after another MI all-rounder, Will Jacks.CSK eyeing Will Jacks alongside Hardik PandyaWith CSK eyeing Hardik, the Mumbai Indians are reportedly interested in a trade deal, and in return, the franchise wants Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis. Moreover, the Mumbai-based franchise has also asked for an additional 10 crores for the trade deal to go through.With MI keeping tabs on Dube and Brevis, the Super Kings are keen on adding more all-round power in their squad, as Will Jacks, another Mumbai Indians player, has been added to their wishlist, as reported by TOI Madurai Samayaan.The Super Kings need a solid all-rounder in their ranks, and Jacks suits the bill perfectly, as the Chennai-based team has plans to go after both Hardik and Jacks.Why CSK is interested in buying Will Jacks?Over the years, the Chennai Super Kings have always had quality overseas all-rounders, who helped them win IPL titles. It was Albie Morkel who delivered the goods for the team in the initial IPL seasons, and later on, it was Sam Curran and Moeen Ali who chipped in to help the team attain success.However, after the departure of both Curran and Moeen Ali, that void was left unfilled. The CSK franchise bought Matthew Short last season, but he failed to deliver the goods as CSK is yet to find a quality overseas all-rounder.Also Read: Delhi Capitals Join Hardik Pandya Trade Race To Offer 2 Big Indian StarsJacks could be the perfect all-rounder for the side as he can bat anywhere in the top six, and the off-break bowler can also chip in with wickets in the middle-overs.Historically, the Chepauk wicket has suited the spinners, and Jacks could be useful on such a surface with his off-break deliveries.Moreover, in the T20 World Cup 2026, Jacks was England's MVP, as he scored 226 runs, and took 9 wickets.Who wins the trade deal if Hardik-Jacks join CSK and Dube, Brevis go to MI?In an ideal scenario, even if the Mumbai Indians are interested in trading Hardik Pandya, they shouldn’t be tempted to give away Will Jacks. Moreover, in return, the former IPL winners are asking for Dube, and Brevis, and the move clearly favours the Super Kings.Hardik has had a couple of poor IPL seasons, but the Indian star still remains one of the best all-rounders in the league, and under MS Dhoni’s guidance, Hardik could revive his career.Moreover, as stated, Jacks could be quite useful for CSK as he can bat anywhere, and he can also chip in with 4 proper overs.On the other hand, Brevis has been a hit-and-miss player in the IPL. Before joining CSK, he was a part of the MI squad, and the franchise released him. Moreover, with Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Naman Dhir in the middle order, Brevis might not find a permanent place.Dube, on the other hand, is not getting any younger, and at the moment, MI needs to strengthen their bowling department rather than filling in the middle-order spots. Hence, if the trade deal goes through, CSK would be the happier of the two sides.Also Read: Deserving Players Who Missed Out On India’s Squad For Sri Lanka Tests 2026
