Chennai Super Kings are preparing for a strategic revamp ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction after a disappointing IPL 2025 season.
Finishing at the bottom of the table forced the five-time champions to rethink their squad structure.
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The franchise have preserved some of their core while freeing up financial flexibility to chase high-impact players at the upcoming auction.
CSK released players ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction
CSK released several players in the final list that was confirmed by the IPL retention deadline.
Which CSK players will be released for the IPL 2026 auction?
Following a poor season where they finished at the bottom of the table, the five-time champions are expected to release a couple of players. That will allow them to find upgrades in the respective positions during the IPL 2026 auction.
New Zealand batter Devon Conway could be on his way out of the franchise after a three-year association with them. The likes of Vijay Shankar and Rahul Tripathi have been sent back into the auction, to allow the franchise to free up their purse.
More: MS Dhoni’s ex-teammate reveals wish amid Sanju Samson trade rumours before IPL 2026 mini auction
Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement has also significantly freed up the team's purse, which could enable them to test the market for marquee players like Cameron Green.
Overseas stars Matheesha Pathirana and Rachin Ravindra join Conway in the list of CSK players released before the retention deadline, along with Indian batters like Deepak Hooda.
- Devon Conway
- Rahul Tripathi
- Vijay Shankar
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
- Rachin Ravindra
- Deepak Hooda
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Ravichandran Ashwin (retired: ineligible for retention)
- Ravindra Jadeja (traded to RR)
- Sam Curran (traded to RR)
CSK retained players ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction
CSK retained their core group of players, and again, the final list will only be officially confirmed by the IPL retention deadline.
Fans can then get a clear picture of which stars will continue to form the backbone of CSK's squad for the 2026 mini auction.
Which CSK players will be retained for IPL 2026?
Fans should not expect a huge shake-up in the squad, given that a limited number of players will be available in the auctions. The majority of the squad will remain intact.
According to the latest reports, Noor Ahmad's retention has also been finalised after his impressive 24-wicket season in 2024.
- Andre Siddharth
- Ayush Mhatre
- Dewald Brevis
- Ramakrishna Ghosh
- Shivam Dube
- MS Dhoni (wk)
- Urvil Patel (wk)
- Anshul Kamboj
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Nathan Ellis
- Noor Ahmad
- Shreyas Gopal
CSK trade deal ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction
The trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran has been confirmed by the franchise. Both the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have completed the process, and Sanju Samson will now bag the yellow jersey and play for the Chennai Super Kings
More: Sanju Samson to CSK confirmed? Former RR coach's cryptic social media post triggers transfer rumours
CSK's current squad before the retention deadline
The Super Kings spent ₹ 119.95 crore in the last mega auction and were left with ₹ 0.05 crore in the purse. The following is the 24-member roster they had built.
- Andre Siddharth
- Ayush Mhatre
- Dewald Brevis
- Jamie Overton
- Ramakrishna Ghosh
- Shivam Dube
- MS Dhoni
- Urvil Patel
- Anshul Kamboj
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Nathan Ellis
- Noor Ahmad
- Shreyas Gopal
- Sanju Samson
- Gurjanpreet Singh
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