Mukesh Choudhary projects at -0.01 WAR per match for IPL 2026, the lowest figure among CSK's domestic pace options. His raw WAR/M of -0.08 reflects a bowler whose actual output has been well below replacement level. Across 550 career bowling balls and just 26 T20 matches, the sample is limited. His IPL confidence of 17% means the model applies enormous regression.

Choudhary's powerplay economy of 7.9 across 62% of his bowling shows new-ball skill. His death economy of 11.3 is a clear weakness. The profile is a powerplay specialist who becomes a liability at the death.

Why Excluded?

CSK has better domestic pace options in Khaleel Ahmed (0.27), Rahul Chahar (0.33), and Anshul Kamboj (0.30). Choudhary's negative projection means the model expects him to cost CSK runs if selected. His bowling profile overlaps with Kamboj's (both are powerplay-focused pace bowlers), and Kamboj outprojects him by a significant margin.

What This Means for IPL 2026

Choudhary is a deep reserve who would need multiple domestic pace injuries to see match time. His 7.9 powerplay economy is his only selling point, but that alone does not overcome the 11.3 death economy and the overall negative projection. He remains a development option rather than a competitive selection.