Matthew Short's IPL Redemption: Snapped Up by CSK at Base Price in Thrilling 2026 Auction

Australian all-rounder Matthew Short has secured a second chance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), getting picked by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for his base price of Rs 1.5 crore during the accelerated round of the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Short, who turned 30 last month, previously featured in six matches for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2023 as a replacement for the injured Jonny Bairstow but struggled to make an impact, leading to him being discarded by the franchise. He was not picked in the subsequent mega auction, prompting him to enter the mini-auction with renewed determination.

Speaking ahead of the auction, Short expressed confidence in his improved readiness, citing his dominant performances in the Big Bash League (BBL) where he has outscored rivals by nearly 500 runs over the past four seasons and served as captain of the Adelaide Strikers for the last two years. "Having three or four good seasons under my belt now in the Big Bash, and playing in different comps around the world, it definitely gives you the confidence… of handling pressure and playing in different conditions," he said. "So I’d be a lot more ready for it now if selected."

The two-time BBL MVP has also worked extensively on his mental game post his underwhelming IPL debut. Collaborating with psychologist David Reid, Short focused on staying present and blocking distractions. "I think my game is there physically - it feels really comfortable at the moment - but we're working on making the right decisions for longer, which means putting away all the bad thoughts and distractions that come into your mind and making sure you're just focused on the moment, and reacting to the ball that's coming down," he explained.

Recent form bolsters his case: Short amassed 382 runs in 19 innings at a strike rate over 155 for Australia, including a fifty, and claimed eight wickets with his handy spin at an average of 17. Even if unsold, Short maintained a philosophical outlook, stating, "If I don’t get picked up, there’s always other opportunities. Me and my wife always just say, ‘Let the universe decide.’"

CSK's acquisition of Short at base price represents a low-risk, high-reward move for the five-time champions, adding explosive top-order batting, off-spin options, and leadership experience from domestic T20 leagues to their squad.