Chennai Super Kings are heading into the IPL 2026 mini auction with a very different look. After a tough 2025 season that saw them finish at the bottom of the table, the franchise has moved into a rebuilding phase.
Their retention list and trade activity reflect a clear intent to reshuffle the core, open up salary space, and reset ahead of the next cycle.
Add AllSportsPeople as a preferred news source
With several senior players released and one major trade secured, CSK now have one of the largest budgets going into the auction — a position they will aim to use smartly as they prepare for a fresh start.
CSK IPL 2026 purse: Remaining budget for the mini auction
According to the latest retention and trade updates, CSK entered the IPL 2026 mini auction with ₹43.40 crore, the second-highest purse among all teams. CSK spent Rs. 14.2 crores each on Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma.
CSK remaining purse: ₹2.40 crore
Total Slots Remaining: 0 (0 Overseas)
More: IPL 2026 released players list: All players not retained by teams before IPL 2026 mini auction
This gives the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side significant room to rebuild key areas. The team have held on to several important names who will shape their 2026 plans.
The franchise traded in Sanju Samson for ₹18 crore, making it one of the marquee moves of the retention window. Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni continue with the team, maintaining leadership stability.
The team released 10 players ahead of the 2026 mini auction. The most notable departures were Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, both traded to Rajasthan Royals.
Pathirana was also released, freeing up ₹13 crore. These exits cleared a substantial chunk of CSK's salary structure, giving them the flexibility they need to rebuild.
RELATED LINKS:
- Virat Kohli IPL 2026 team, salary: Will the former India captain retire or look for a transfer?
- IPL 2026 Auction: Date, Players List, Rules & Mini-Auction Preview
- All the latest cricket news
- All IPL-related news