IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings Retained & Released Players – CSK Squad Overhaul

 

Updated -16 November 

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IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings Retention & Release Breakdown

As the IPL 2026 auction draws closer, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are clearly executing a big reset. After a disappointing IPL 2025 season — where they finished at the bottom of the table — the five-time champions are leaning on a core group, but also making bold decisions to release senior names and refresh their squad.

🔒 Players Retained by CSK for IPL 2026

CSK’s retention moves indicate a mix of experience, youth, and leadership:

• Ruturaj Gaikwad – Captain and top-order mainstay.
• MS Dhoni – Wicketkeeper, leader, and mentor for the squad.
• Shivam Dube – Power-hitting all-rounder.
• Noor Ahmad – Wrist-spin option with match-winning potential.
• Khaleel Ahmed – Pace bowling depth.
• Anshul Kamboj – Young domestic talent.
• Jamie Overton – Overseas pace option.
• Nathan Ellis – Another fast bowling resource.
• Gurjapneet Singh – Emerging talent retained as well.
• Shreyas Gopal – Spin bowling backup.
• Mukesh Choudhary – Young seamer retained.
• Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel – Young batters retained to build a future core.
• Sanju Samson – Big trade-in from Rajasthan Royals.

CSK’s strategy seems focused on continuity + rebuilding: keeping a few senior leaders, while giving more roles to promising youngsters.

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❌ Players Released or Traded by CSK

CSK have made some significant exits in their 2026 restructuring:

• Ravindra Jadeja – Traded out to Rajasthan Royals.
• Sam Curran – Also part of the trade.
• Matheesha Pathirana – Released.
• Devon Conway – Released.
• Rachin Ravindra – Released.
• Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar – Also let go by CSK.
• Shaikh Rasheed, Andre Siddarth, Kamlesh Nagarkoti – Additional names released.

This indicates CSK is ready to let go of some big names and under-performers, even if they were once central to the franchise.

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💡 What CSK’s Retention Strategy Signals

1. Rebuilding Mode:
   The number of senior players released shows CSK are deliberately reworking their squad.

2. Youth + Leadership Mix:
   With Gaikwad, Dhoni, and young talent like Mhatre and Brevis, CSK are maintaining a leadership core while grooming the future.

3. Strong Auction War Chest:
   CSK enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with ₹43.40 crore remaining.

   • This gives them space to bid aggressively on role-specific players.
   • They could target a finisher, a specialist spinner, or a death-overs bowler.

4. Trade-Driven Change:
   The Jadeja–Samson trade is a big signal — CSK’s shift isn’t just about retention, but strategically using trades to reshape.

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📅 Key Dates

• Retention Deadline: 15 November 2025 — CSK submitted their final list by this.
• Expected Auction Window: Around 13–15 December 2025. (Based on typical mini-auction timeline + reports)

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are CSK’s major retention picks for IPL 2026?
A1. Key retained players include Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Jamie Overton.

Q2. Which big names did CSK let go for IPL 2026?
A2. Notable exits are Ravindra Jadeja (traded), Sam Curran (traded), Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra.

Q3. How much money does CSK have left for the 2026 auction?
A3. They have ₹43.40 crore remaining to spend.

Q4. Why is CSK trading out Jadeja and Curran?
A4. The trade appears to be part of a larger strategy to refresh the squad, reduce cost on certain veteran players, and bring in new leadership and flexibility.

Q5. What kind of players might CSK target in the IPL 2026 auction?
A5. Likely targets: finishing batters, death-over bowlers, a backup spinner, and perhaps a young Indian opener or middle-order bat.

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