IPL 2026: 3 players CSK underutilised this season

The Chennai Super Kings finished IPL 2026 eighth on the points table, with 12 points from 14 games coming from six wins.

The five-time champions had a tumultuous season, but despite their struggles, were able to stay in the hunt for the playoffs till their final game of the season. They were severely impacted by injuries and had to often make alterations to their team before they found a settled combination. With a significant roster of talented players and multiple players getting game time, we look at players who could have gotten a longer run of games with the team. 

Here are 3 players who were underutilised by CSK in IPL 2026:

3. Urvil Patel

Wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel has built a reputation in the domestic game of being a brutal hitter, capable of scoring big runs and taking down bowling attacks with big sixes. While he was relegated to a bench role, the Gujarat man was able to get an extended run in the team with the injury to Ayush Mhatre.

He hit the ground running in the season, scoring 129 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 201.56. He scored his first half-century of IPL with a score of 65. That knock showed him reach his 50 in just 13 balls, the joint-fastest in the history of the competition. With the maverick innings, he showed he has the game to take on the best of bowlers, but the question remains on how much he could have contributed had he been given an extended run with the team.