The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have always been one of the most consistent franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). But after a disastrous IPL 2025 campaign in which the team finished 10th with just 4 wins in 14 matches, change was inevitable.
This time, CSK have moved beyond speculation and officially outlined the CSK released players 2026 list. Several senior names, including Sam Curran and Devon Conway, are set to be released as the franchise looks to rebuild from scratch.
This bold move marks a new era for the yellow brigade as they prepare for the IPL 2026 Auctions. With the retention deadline fast approaching on November 15, 2025, CSK’s decisions shed light on their new strategy and priorities.
Why CSK Needed a Reset After IPL 2025
The Chennai Super Kings are known for their stability and trust in players, but their 2025 IPL campaign was historically poor. For a team with five IPL titles under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, finishing at the bottom was unthinkable.
Batting failures: Senior Indian batters like Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, and Vijay Shankar failed to provide consistent middle-order runs.
Overseas letdowns: Big-ticket names such as Rachin Ravindra, Sam Curran and Devon Conway couldn’t deliver match-winning performances.
Bowling struggles: Even Curran, picked for his all-round ability, managed just 1 wicket in 5 matches, leaving a huge gap in the attack.
The combination of poor form, ageing players, and a lack of match-winners pushed CSK to the bottom of the table. That is why the franchise has chosen to release key names and maximise their auction purse before the mini-auction scheduled for December 13–15, 2025 (pending BCCI confirmation).
CSK Released Players 2026 – Full List
The CSK release player list for the upcoming auction might features some surprising yet logical exits. Let’s look at each name and the reasoning behind their departure. Here is a list of players according to Republic World, that might be on their way out:
Deepak Hooda
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 0 | 31 | 22 | 6.20 | 41 | 75.61 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
Hooda was drafted into the CSK squad for middle-order stability, but his returns were dismal. Scoring just 31 runs across 7 games meant he added almost nothing to the scoreboard. In a team struggling for runs, his poor form stood out.
Rahul Tripathi
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 0 | 55 | 23 | 11.00 | 57 | 96.49 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Known for his aggressive batting in the power play, Tripathi never got going. His 55 runs from 5 innings translated to a weak average of just 11, making him a liability in the top order. With younger options available in the auction, CSK had little reason to retain him.
Vijay Shankar
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 2 | 118 | 69* | 39.33 | 91 | 129.67 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Shankar had a better season than Hooda and Tripathi, but his contributions were still modest. Scoring just under 20 runs per innings without any match-winning knock, he didn’t provide the balance CSK expected. With no impact as a bowler, he was an easy release.
Sam Curran
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 0 | 114 | 88 | 22.80 | 84 | 135.71 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
Perhaps the biggest name in the CSK released players 2026 list, Sam Curran, never lived up to his price tag. As an overseas all-rounder, he was expected to finish games with the bat and lead with the ball. Instead, his bowling was ineffective, and his batting lacked firepower. Releasing him not only frees up a crucial overseas slot but also boosts CSK’s purse significantly.
Devon Conway
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 0 | 156 | 69 | 26.00 | 119 | 131.09 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
Conway was CSK’s most reliable overseas opener, but his strike rate and consistency were below par compared to expectations. With Ruturaj Gaikwad set as the team’s primary opener, Conway’s role became less vital. Releasing him allows CSK to chase a more explosive overseas batter at the auction.
What is the CSK Auction Purse Amount?
Chennai Super Kings will enter the mini auction with a hefty purse. With these releases and Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, CSK’s auction purse currently stands at INR 9.75 crore, expected to grow further after official salary clearances. Add to this, the amount that will be allotted to each team at the start of the auction.
CSK Retention List ahead of Mini Auction
Now, let’s look at CSK retained players expected to form the core of the squad:
MS Dhoni: While retirement rumours always swirl, Dhoni is likely to continue in the team for at least one more season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain): The future of CSK’s batting and CSK’s long-term captain.
Ravindra Jadeja: A key all-rounder and match-winner.
Shivam Dube: CSK’s monstrous middle-order hitter will continue for the fifth season.
Matheesa Pathirana: The Sri Lankan pacer remains a crucial death-bowling option.
Khaleel Ahmed: He was one of CSK’s few bowling positives in IPL 2025, picking up 15 wickets in 14 matches with his left-arm pace.
Noor Ahmad: He emerged as CSK’s strike spinner, finishing the season with an impressive 24 wickets in 14 matches, often breaking crucial partnerships.
Other players like Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, and Ayush Mhatre, who were bought as mid-season replacements, will undoubtedly be retained as well. This new CSK team will be built around a strong Indian core, with room to add overseas match-winners at the IPL 2026 Auctions.
Implications of the Releases
Releasing five major players signals a squad overhaul strategy. Here’s what it means for the franchise:
Fresh Auction Approach – By clearing underperformers, CSK can aggressively target new overseas all-rounders and explosive batters.
Indian Core Priority – The failures of Hooda, Tripathi, and Shankar highlight the need to invest in younger Indian batters who can carry the team in future seasons.
MS Dhoni’s Role – With Dhoni leading the side in 2025 in Ruturaj’s absence, CSK can balance experience with fresh talent, ensuring the transition phase doesn’t hurt team culture.
Flexible Purse – Curran’s exit alone saves CSK a big chunk of their budget, giving them freedom to bid on marquee players at the auction.
Young Blood in IPL 2025
Amidst CSK’s struggles in IPL 2025, the real silver lining came from the young blood who brought excitement and energy to the squad. Dewald Brevis showed his fearless hitting, scoring 225 runs in 6 matches, including two fifties at a strike rate of 180, with a top score of 57 that electrified the crowd.
Even more impressive was Ayush Mhatre, who announced himself with 240 runs in 7 games, maintaining a strike rate of 190. Meanwhile, Urvil Patel made the most of his limited opportunities, scoring 68 runs in 3 matches at a phenomenal 212.5 strike rate. These youngsters proved CSK’s future remains bright, giving fans thrilling moments despite an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Auction Timeline & Venue
Retention Deadline: November 15, 2025 (all franchises must submit lists).
Auction Dates: December 13–15, 2025 (awaiting BCCI confirmation).
Venue: Likely to return to India after Dubai and Jeddah hosted the previous auctions.
These dates mean CSK must finalise its CSK release player list quickly and sharpen its scouting for the upcoming IPL auction.
Can CSK Bounce Back in IPL 2026?
The big question now is whether these bold calls can help CSK recover from their worst season ever. Historically, CSK have thrived on continuity, but the failures of IPL 2025 forced them to adapt. A mix of young Indian talent, overseas firepower, and Dhoni’s leadership could revive their fortunes.
Fans will also be eager to see how Ruturaj Gaikwad, the CSK captain, uses his influence to shape the CSK new team. With their purse freed up, CSK are well-positioned to be major players at the mini-auction.
Final Word
The CSK released players 2026 list is not just about cutting underperformers; it’s about resetting the team’s DNA. From the high-profile exit of Sam Curran to the steady departure of Devon Conway, CSK are signalling their intent to build a fresher, sharper squad for the future.
With the IPL 2026 Auctions around the corner, all eyes will be on the yellow brigade as they try to rebuild and climb back from their lowest point in IPL history. If they succeed, this release list could be remembered as the turning point that revived the Chennai Super Kings once again.
