The retention list is here and Chennai Super Kings have already moved into full-rebuild mode. After enduring the worst campaign in their 16-year history and finishing with the wooden spoon for the first time, the franchise has taken decisive action.
CSK have released 10 players, including some heavyweights, cleared major salary space, and signaled that a fresh core is coming. This is clearly a sign of major signings happening in mega auction.
As the next auction approaches, the conversation shifts to who CSK might buy, what the new spine of the team looks like, and where they’ll invest their cash. Let’s break down the updated retention picture, releases, and the direction the franchise seems to be heading as they attempt a serious comeback in IPL 2026.
CSK Retained Players – IPL 2026
The biggest win for CSK after this massive release list is simple: the core is still intact. Despite letting go of 10 players, the spine of the squad remains strong, and that changes everything. This isn’t a franchise starting from zero. This is a franchise clearing clutter to sharpen the structure.
Which means the upcoming auction won’t be a demolition job. It will be precise gap-filling. And to understand why CSK can still compete, all you need to do is look at who’s still here.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
The torchbearer post-Dhoni era, Ruturaj Gaikwad, will undoubtedly headline the CSK retention list for IPL 2026. Despite missing half the season due to a hand fracture, Gaikwad showed his class in his six games, scoring two fifties, including a match-winning knock against Mumbai Indians.
His great batting prowess in the past few season ensures his long-term association with CSK seems inevitable.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson’s trade to CSK has given the team a massive boost. Samson is an aggressive opener with 4,707 IPL runs in 177 matches at a 140 strike rate. He strengthens the top order, offers a ready wicket-keeping successor to Dhoni, and at 31, brings five strong years of leadership potential to shape CSK’s next core.
Aayush Mhatre
One of the biggest positives of IPL 2025 is Ayush Mhatre. The 17-year-old replacement for Gaikwad made a big impression with 240 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 180. His 94 against RCB in a crunch chase has sealed his place in the squad.
Urvil Patel
Urvil Patel had just a 3-match window but struck at a staggering rate of 213. His aggressive starts at the top have earned him a place in the CSK retained players list.
Dewald Brevis (Overseas)
Apart from Mhatre, if someone was able to impress us the most, then it has to be Dewald Brevis. The “Baby AB” came, saw, and conquered the hearts of the CSK family.
In 6 matches, he smashed 225 runs at a strike rate of 180, with two match-winning fifties. He is destined to be a part of CSK’s future middle-order blueprint.
Shivam Dube
In recent years, Dube has become synonymous with CSK’s batting power in the middle overs. Across four seasons (2022–2025), he has 1460 runs, 9 fifties, and 100 sixes at a strike rate of 150+. He’s going nowhere.
Khaleel Ahmed
A bright spot from the mega auction, Khaleel stood out as the go-to bowlers in the first 6 overs of the inning for CSK. He struck early in powerplays and picked up 15 wickets in 14 games. He fills the Deepak Chahar role and will be a key Indian pacer going forward.
Noor Ahmad (Overseas)
CSK’s best performer in 2025. The Afghan wrist spinner bagged 24 wickets in 14 matches and is now the trump card in the CSK retention list for IPL 2026.
Anshul Kambhoj
The India A prospect has shown discipline and promise. His 8 wickets in 8 matches and 8 economy make him a trusted option in the powerplay.
Nathan Ellis (Overseas)
Recent matches have shown that CSK had a gem hidden in Ellis. In Australia, he showed that he is one of the best in business. Hence, his performance was rewarded with a retention by CSK. A Big Bash League-winning captain and preferred over Cummins in the T20 WC, Ellis offers tight lines with new ball and great variations in the death overs.
Mukesh Choudhary
Although he hasn’t hit previous highs, Mukesh’s 2022 season (16 wickets) showed potential. He missed 2023 and has played only 3 games since. He will likely be kept as a backup seamer.
MS Dhoni
If MS Dhoni chooses to continue, he will be retained for some time. Though listed as uncapped, his leadership and brand value transcend all stats.
Jamie Overton
The unlikely name, and the only third overseas player retained by CSK was Overton. But things make sense, if we take a look at his stats in T20s. He brings serious utility to the table: in his T20 career he’s taken 149 wickets in 130 matches at an average of 23.55 and strike rate of 8.17. His pace, long reach, and lower-order hitting make him perfect for the backend—either breaking partnerships with the ball or hitting big when it counts.
Ramakrishna Ghosh
Ramakrishna Ghosh gives CSK a rare mix of pace and raw hitting, something you don’t find often in Indian domestic cricket. His retention fits the squad. He also plays with Gaikwad for Maharashtra, so the captain has likely seen his potential up close.
Shreyas Gopal
Following the departure of Jadeja, Gopal becomes the most experienced player in the bowling line up for CSK. He is an IPL veteran who has represented 3 franchises. In his 10 year long career, he has picked 49 wickets, in as many appearances.
CSK 2026 Released Players
Here are the CSK 2026 released players, most of whom didn’t make the impact expected or were surplus to requirement:
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Sam Curran
- Rahul Tripathi
- Deepak Hooda
- Vijay Shankar
- Rachin Ravindra
- Devon Conway
- Ramakrishna Ghosh
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
- C. Andre Siddarth
- Shaik Rasheed
Releasing these players has cleared over 40 crores for CSK, ahead of the mini auction.
IPL 2026 Retention Strategy: What CSK Needs
CSK’s IPL 2026 retention strategy will revolve around plugging a few critical gaps while keeping its core intact.
Indian Left Arm Spinner
CSK lacks a genuine Indian spinner who can weave a web around batters in middle overs. While Sheryas Gopal is decent, someone needs to step in to fill the big void that is left by the absence of Ravindra Jadeja.
Overseas Slot Management
With four players leaving the side, CSK will need overseas firepower. And chances are that some big names might end up being a part of the squad for the next season.
Potential targets:
- Andre Russell
- Glenn Maxwell
- Liam Livingstone
- Cameroon Green
These all-rounders can slot in at No. 6/7 and contribute in both departments. With Ruturaj likely to bat at No. 3, CSK will also look for a solid overseas opener to partner with Aayush Mhatre or try one of Samson or Patel in that slot.
Predicted CSK Playing XI for IPL 2026 (Based on Retentions)
- Aayush Mhatre
- Sanju Samson
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
- Shivam Dube
- Dewald Brevis
- All-Rounder (Overseas)
- All-rounder (Overseas TBA Maxi/Russell)
- MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper)
- Indian Spinner (TBA)/ Anshul Kambhoj
- Noor Ahmad (Overseas)
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Nathan Ellis(Overseas)
Suddenly, CSK finds itself with a problem of plenty at the top. Even someone as impactful as Urvil Patel struggles to break into the top 12.
The CSK retention list for IPL 2026 reflects both loyalty and a shift towards youth and impact players. While the team had a dismal 2025 season, the emergence of players like Mhatre, Noor Ahmad, and Brevis gives fans hope. Backed by a smart IPL 2026 retention strategy, CSK is poised for a strong comeback.
With a blend of experience and youth, CSK’s next chapter could mark the rise of a new dynasty, this time led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Whether Dhoni plays or mentors from the sidelines, the spirit of CSK is intact.
FAQ
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the best player in CSK for 2025. As a key batsman, he consistently delivers strong performances, anchoring innings and scoring crucial runs. His technique, temperament, and ability to handle pressure make him CSK’s standout player and a vital contributor to the team’s success in the 2025 season.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are considered better than Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). With more IPL titles, consistent performances, and a history of strong team management, CSK has proven their dominance over the years. Their experience, balanced squad, and winning mentality give them an edge over RCB in the league.
N. Srinivasan and his family are the owners of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) through Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL). He is a prominent Indian industrialist, a former BCCI president, and serves as the chairman of CSKCL, overseeing the franchise’s operations and strategic decisions.
