CSK IPL 2026: After a forgettable IPL 2025 season, Chennai Super Kings are gearing up for a smart rebuild ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, focusing on balance, big names, and core stability.
CSK Set for a Fresh Start After IPL 2025 Struggles
Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings are preparing for a crucial overhaul following their disappointing 2025 campaign, where they finished at the bottom of the points table.
According to The Sporting News, the franchise is aiming to maintain its trusted core while freeing up salary space to pursue high-impact players in the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction.
CSK Likely to Release Players Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
Chennai Super Kings are expected to part ways with several players to reshape their squad. The official list will be confirmed once the team submits its retention and release papers to the IPL Governing Council by November 15, 2025.
As per reports, New Zealand opener Devon Conway could be released after a three-year stint. Indian players Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, and Jamie Overton are also likely to go under the hammer again, helping CSK recover part of their budget.
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Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement has already freed up a large chunk of funds, allowing the franchise to explore premium options like Cameron Green in the market.
Expected Released Players:
- Devon Conway
- Rahul Tripathi
- Vijay Shankar
- Jamie Overton
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
- Gurjapneet Singh
- Ravichandran Ashwin (retired, ineligible for retention)
CSK Expected Retentions Before IPL 2026 Mini Auction
Despite the shake-up, CSK will likely retain the majority of their squad to ensure continuity. Players like Deepak Hooda and Rachin Ravindra are expected to stay due to their domestic promise and long-term potential.
Noor Ahmad’s impressive 24-wicket haul in the 2024 season almost guarantees his retention, while veterans like MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran continue to be the backbone of the yellow brigade.
Expected Retained Players:
- Andre Siddharth
- Ayush Mhatre
- Shaik Rasheed
- Deepak Hooda
- Dewald Brevis
- Rachin Ravindra
- Ramakrishna Ghosh
- Ravindra Jadeja*
- Sam Curran*
- Shivam Dube
- MS Dhoni
- Urvil Patel
- Anshul Kamboj
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Matheesha Pathirana*
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Nathan Ellis
- Noor Ahmad
- Shreyas Gopal
*Rumoured to be traded.
Trade Rumours: Sanju Samson, Jadeja, and Curran Swap in Talks
The biggest buzz in the IPL trade window surrounds a potential blockbuster swap involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran. Both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have initiated discussions, but no formal announcement has been made yet.
As of November 10, 2025, the trade remains on hold due to RR’s limited overseas slots and tight budget. If completed, it would mark one of the most talked-about pre-auction moves of the year, reshaping the balance of both teams ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction.
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CSK Squad Before the IPL 2026 Retention Deadline
Before any releases or trades, Chennai Super Kings’ 24-member squad from the last season included:
Andre Siddharth, Ayush Mhatre, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Shaik Rasheed, Deepak Hooda, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Rachin Ravindra, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Anshul Kamboj, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad, Shreyas Gopal.
The team spent ₹119.95 crore in the last mega auction, leaving just ₹0.05 crore in the purse — making this mini auction a vital opportunity to reset and rebuild for 2026.
