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, and coach Stephen Fleming overseeing preparations at the CSK High Performance Centre, the team is focused on releasing under-performers and retaining core strengths.
CSK Retained Players List for IPL 2026
Despite the poor 2025 season, CSK has backed its veterans and a few emerging Indian talents. The franchise is maintaining a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and new-age options across all departments.
Retained Players Table (Expected)
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni (Captain) | WK-Batter |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batter |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder |
| Shivam Dube | All-Rounder |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler |
| Shaik Rasheed | Batter |
| Andre Siddarth | Batter |
| Anshul Kamboj | All-Rounder |
| Kamlesh Nagarkoti | All-Rounder |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | All-Rounder |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler |
| Shreyas Gopal | Bowler |
| Vansh Bedi | WK-Batter |
| Gurjapneet Singh | All-Rounder |
These players have shown either long-term potential or value in multiple roles. CSK seems committed to blending youth development with veteran guidance.
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CSK Released Players List for IPL 2026
To make room for fresh talent, CSK is expected to release several players who didn’t perform as expected or were not utilized much in IPL 2025. This includes both Indian and overseas players.
🚨 CSK RELEASE UPDATE. 🚨
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 10, 2025
– CSK likely to release Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway ahead of IPL 2026. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/9SafWJQBzu
Released Players Table (Expected)
| Player Name | Reason for Release |
|---|---|
| Devon Conway | 156 runs in 6 matches – below expectations |
| Rachin Ravindra | Avg season – 191 runs in 8 matches |
| Rahul Tripathi | Just 55 runs in 5 matches – poor form |
| Deepak Hooda | Only 31 runs in 7 matches – underwhelming |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | Retired from IPL – salary saved ₹9.75 Cr |
| Vijay Shankar | Lack of impact and consistency |
| Jamie Overton | Not utilized effectively |
| Sam Curran | High salary; team moving toward youth |
| Mukesh Choudhary | Limited impact in opportunities |
| Dewald Brevis | Didn’t fit into CSK’s top-order plans |
| Urvil Patel | No match time in IPL 2025 |
| Ayush Mhatre | Developmental option; not retained |
This list shows CSK is ready to trim high-cost and underused assets, to create space for new match-winners.
CSK Auction Strategy for IPL 2026
With the mini-auction approaching, CSK’s strategy will likely focus on:
- Rebuild the top order (after releasing Conway, Tripathi)
- Acquire one or two aggressive openers with powerplay impact
- Plan for wicketkeeping succession (likely Dhoni’s final season)
- Add middle-order power-hitters with finishing ability
- Secure reliable death-over bowlers alongside Pathirana and Ellis
- Possibly re-buy 1–2 released players at reduced prices
They may also look to buy back one or two released players at a cheaper price, depending on auction dynamics.
CSK Squad Summary for IPL 2026 (So Far)
| Category | Player Names |
|---|---|
| Batters & WKs | MS Dhoni (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, Andre Siddarth, Vansh Bedi |
| All-Rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Anshul Kamboj, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh |
| Bowlers | Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal |
Read more: IPL 2026 Trade: Players List, Transfers, Rumours, Window Rules
Final Thoughts
CSK’s IPL 2026 rebuild will be in full swing. With their worst-ever season behind them, they are clearly preparing for a younger, sharper squad. Backing MS Dhoni’s leadership one last time, the team is expected to bring in aggressive top-order batters, death-over bowlers, and future leaders at the mini-auction.
Whether these moves succeed or not, one thing is clear — CSK is no longer playing it safe
Note: The above retained and released player lists for CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 auction are based on expected internal discussions and recent reports. An official announcement from the franchise is still awaited. Player changes may occur as the auction approaches.
