After finishing at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with just 4 wins in 14 matches, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — 5-time champions — are preparing for a major squad overhaul ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. With MS Dhoni still leading the side and coach Stephen Fleming supervising the rebuild, CSK is entering one of its biggest transition phases in recent years.
Latest Update (Official): The BCCI has confirmed that the IPL 2026 Auction will be held on December 16 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. CSK will enter the auction with a confirmed purse of ₹43.40 crore, with 9 total slots and 4 overseas slots available.
CSK Retained Players List for IPL 2026 (Updated After Samson–Jadeja Trade)
The blockbuster Sanju Samson – Ravindra Jadeja – Sam Curran trade is now officially confirmed. All documentation and BCCI approvals are completed, making Samson the newest marquee signing for CSK.
With the deal locked, Sanju Samson officially becomes a Chennai Super Kings player for IPL 2026, while Jadeja and Curran move to Rajasthan Royals in a historic three-player swap.
CSK IPL 2026 Retained Players Table (Official Confirmed)
| Player Name | Role | Status Update |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | WK-Batter | Retained |
| Sanju Samson | WK-Batter | Officially Joined – Trade Completed |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batter | Retained |
| Ayush Mhatre | Batter | Retained |
| Dewald Brevis | Batter | Retained |
| Urvil Patel | WK-Batter | Retained |
| Shivam Dube | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Jamie Overton | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler | Retained |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler | Retained |
| Anshul Kamboj | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Gurjapneet Singh | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler | Retained |
| Shreyas Gopal | Bowler | Retained |
| Mukesh Choudhary | Bowler | Retained |
This updated retention list now includes Sanju Samson and aligns with CSK’s officially confirmed retained squad for IPL 2026.
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CSK Released Players List for IPL 2026 (Official Today)
With the Samson–Jadeja–Curran trade confirmed, CSK has also released several overseas and domestic names to reshape their squad for a fresh mini-auction strategy.
Released & Traded Players Table (Updated & Confirmed)
| Player Name | Exit Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | Traded to RR | Part of Samson swap |
| Sam Curran | Traded to RR | Trade completed |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Released | Not retained |
| Devon Conway | Released | Long-term strategy |
| Rachin Ravindra | Released | Team restructuring |
| Vijay Shankar | Released | Performance reasons |
| Deepak Hooda | Released | Not in plans |
| Rahul Tripathi | Released | Low impact |
| Kamlesh Nagarkoti | Released | Cleared after review |
| Andre Siddarth | Released | Released in final list |
| Shaik Rasheed | Released | Removed from final retained list |
| Vansh Bedi | Released | Youngster released |
CSK Squad Summary for IPL 2026 (Updated Today)
| Category | Player Names |
|---|---|
| Batters & WKs | MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel |
| All-Rounders | Shivam Dube, Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh |
| Bowlers | Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed |
| Traded Out | Ravindra Jadeja (to RR), Sam Curran (to RR) |
The addition of Sanju Samson gives CSK a powerful wicketkeeper-batter and a strong leadership figure beside MS Dhoni. With Jadeja and Curran gone, CSK is expected to target fast bowlers, an overseas finisher, and a middle-order stabilizer at the mini-auction.
Read more: IPL 2026 Trade: Players List, Transfers, Rumours, Window Rules
Final Thoughts
With Sanju Samson officially joining CSK, the franchise begins a bold new era. Jadeja and Curran’s departure reshapes the squad’s balance, while Samson’s arrival boosts middle-order strength and leadership. CSK will now enter the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi with a purse of ₹43.40 crore and a clear strategy to rebuild the team for a strong 2026 comeback.
Note: This updated list reflects the confirmed Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran trade between CSK and RR. Final mini-auction squad will be announced by CSK soon.
