The Chennai Super Kings have finally confirmed their 2026 squad overhaul, and the headline is impossible to ignore, Sanju Samson has officially joined CSK in a blockbuster trade that sends Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals. This single move alone signals a dramatic shift in CSK’s long-term planning, leadership structure, and batting strategy.
And alongside that trade, CSK have released nine players as part of their reset ahead of IPL 2026. These aren’t speculations anymore, the retention lists are out, and CSK’s decisions are now fully official. After finishing 10th in IPL 2025 and undergoing key structural changes, the franchise has opted for a cleaner, fresher build going into the new cycle.
Below is the complete CSK Released Players 2026 list, with reasons behind each exit and their IPL stats at CSK.
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.
Vansh Bedi
Vansh Bedi never got his opportunity in yellow. Injured before the season, he was replaced by Urvil Patel, who ended up becoming one of the breakout stars with a strike rate above 200. CSK had a clear choice to make between retaining Bedi or capitalizing on Urvil’s explosive impact. The decision was straightforward, and Bedi’s exit became official.
(No IPL stats at CSK as he didn’t play a game.)
Andre Siddarth
Andre Siddarth was part of CSK’s depth chart but never forced his way into the starting XI. With CSK tightening their bench and focusing on specialists, Siddarth didn’t fit the evolving squad composition. His release opens up a slot for a more defined role player.
(No IPL stats at CSK as he didn’t play a game.)
Rachin Ravindra
The biggest overseas release. Rachin Ravindra showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t cement a long-term role. His strike rate was decent, but CSK needed consistency and finishing quality from an overseas top-order option. The Samson trade and the shift in batting dynamics made Rachin surplus to plans.
Rachin Ravindra IPL Stats (CSK)
| IPL Year | Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | S/R | 50s |
| 2025 | 8 | 191 | 65* | 27.29 | 128.19 | 1 |
| 2024 | 10 | 222 | 61 | 22.20 | 160.87 | 1 |
Shaik Rasheed
Shaik Rasheed is a talented player, but CSK couldn’t afford to keep developing projects when they needed ready-made performers. His strike rate remained moderate, and he failed to produce the kind of innings that forces retention. With younger players stepping up elsewhere, Rasheed was released.
Shaik Rasheed IPL Stats (CSK)
| Year | Matches | No | Runs | HS | Avg | Strike Rate |
| 2025 | 5 | 0 | 71 | 27 | 14.20 | 112.70 |
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Kamlesh Nagarkoti was one of CSK’s long-term gamble picks, but injuries and competition kept him out of the XI. He didn’t feature in a single match in 2025. With priorities shifting toward bowlers who offer immediate value, CSK decided to release him.
(No IPL stats at CSK as he didn’t play a game.)
Matheesha Pathirana
This is the shock release and the biggest emotional exit after Jadeja. Pathirana was once considered the future of CSK’s death bowling, but injuries and fluctuating form made his retention complicated. His economy spiked in 2025, and CSK chose to rebuild their attack around new overseas pacers.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL Stats (CSK)
| Year | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Strike Rate |
| 2025 | 12 | 13 | 10.14 | 19.31 |
| 2024 | 6 | 13 | 7.68 | 10.15 |
| 2023 | 12 | 19 | 8.01 | 14.63 |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 | 7.61 | 20.50 |
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 remaining purse currently stands at INR 43.4 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.
The Impact of the Samson–Jadeja Trade
CSK trading Ravindra Jadeja, a franchise legend, is the boldest call made in years. But in return, they acquired Sanju Samson, one of India’s premier T20 wicket keeper opener and a natural leader with immense middle-order reliability.
This does three things for CSK:
- Resets the core around Ruturaj + Samson
A young-modern leadership pairing shaping the next era. - Solves the top-order vacuum
CSK desperately needed an opener after Gaikwad pushed himself down at number 3. Along with Aayush Sanju could open and keep wickets if needed. - Frees up auction bandwidth
Jadeja’s departure allows CSK to restructure their purse and bowling unit. CSK now has a budget of 43 crores.
Why CSK’s Release Strategy Makes Sense
Releasing nine players isn’t a rebuild. it’s a reset. Here’s what CSK gain:
1. Clear, defined roles
No more cluttered middle-order or uncertain bench picks. They are targeting specialists, not “maybe” players.
2. A new overseas direction
Pathirana, Conway and Rachin exiting means CSK want:
- A new death bowler
- A power-hitting overseas batter, ideally a top order batter.
- Possibly an all-rounder with finishing skills
3. Strong Indian batting core
Ruturaj, Dube, Samson, Mhatre, Urvil and Dhoni. That’s a modern, aggressive nucleus.
4. Budget flexibility for high-impact signings
Releasing Curran earlier + the 2026 exit now gives CSK the financial space to target top-tier names.
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
Auction Dates: December 15, 2025
Venue: The auction will take place in Dubai.
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.
