Chennai Super Kings were suspended from the IPL for two seasons, keeping the franchise out of the 2016 and 2017 editions. While CSK itself did not play during this period, its core was split across the IPL, with MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Dwayne Bravo and Faf du Plessis among the familiar names representing other teams. For CSK fans, the two-year absence meant seeing established players in different colours while waiting for the franchise to return to the IPL.
Why CSK Did Not Play IPL 2016 and 2017
Chennai Super Kings missed the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons after the Justice R. M. Lodha Committee imposed a two-season suspension on the franchise. The punishment followed findings against CSK team official Gurunath Meiyappan over betting during the 2013 IPL. The suspension applied to the franchise rather than its players. Our Why Was CSK Banned for 2 Years? The guide covers the complete case and suspension.
What Happened to CSK Players?
CSK’s players were not banned individually when the franchise was suspended. The two new franchises were allowed to select players from the squads of suspended CSK and Rajasthan Royals, splitting several prominent CSK names between Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat Lions.
| CSK Player | Team During Suspension |
| MS Dhoni | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| Suresh Raina | Gujarat Lions |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Gujarat Lions |
| R. Ashwin | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| Faf du Plessis | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| Dwayne Bravo | Gujarat Lions |
The split also created an unusual leadership dynamic. MS Dhoni captained Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016, while Suresh Raina captained Gujarat Lions during the same season. Dhoni remained with Pune in 2017, but Steve Smith took over as captain. Raina continued to lead Gujarat, making him the central CSK-associated figure at the franchise throughout its two-season existence.
For CSK supporters, this meant that although the franchise itself was absent, several of its most recognisable players remained visible in the IPL. The familiar yellow jersey was replaced by new colours, but much of the established CSK core could still be followed during the suspension.
How CSK Fans Stayed Connected During the Ban
CSK remained out of the IPL in 2016 and 2017, but the Yellow Army did not simply disappear. With former CSK players representing Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat Lions, supporters still had familiar names to follow during the franchise’s absence.
Some supporters continued wearing CSK yellow while attending matches involving Pune and Gujarat. For sections of the Yellow Army, following MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and other former CSK players became a way of staying connected to the franchise while it was suspended.
Supporting these players in different colours was not the same as replacing CSK. The temporary franchises provided familiar faces to cheer for, while the loyalty of many supporters remained firmly attached to Chennai until the team’s return in 2018.
How CSK Prepared for Its IPL Return
Ahead of IPL 2018, CSK finally had the opportunity to rebuild around familiar players. The franchise retained MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja before the auction, immediately restoring three major pieces of its old core. The subsequent auction gave Chennai the opportunity to bring back more familiar names while constructing its first squad in three years. For the full story of what happened next, read our CSK 2018 Comeback guide.
