The IPL 2025 has ended, and Chennai Super Kings suffered their worst ever season in the tournament’s history. The five-time champions ended with a wooden spoon in the tournament, something that has not happened in 16 years of their existence.
There are many reasons behind their utmost faliure with the bad acution strategy being one of them. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) went all-in to Retai their core of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and the iconic MS Dhoni (as an uncapped player).
The team also experimented with fresh signings and replacements. However, the campaign ended disappointed, as CSK finished at the bottom with just four wins. As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, the focus now shifts to CSK’s retention list for IPL 2026, their released players, and the overall IPL 2026 retention strategy.
Let’s break down the likely CSK retained players, who might be released, and where the franchise is headed.
CSK Retained Players – IPL 2026
With all being said, Chennai Super Kings still have a great core, hence it is safe to assume that their IPL 2025 retention strategy will revolve around these players.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at CSK retained players, ahead of IPL 2026 auction.
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.
Devon Conway (Overseas)
Although Conway’s 2025 season was scratchy, CSK is known to back seasoned campaigners. The player was a vital cog in the side for the 2023 season.
An injury ruled him out of the 2024 season, but Conway came back and scored two fifties in six matches in IPL 2025. Hence, expect the veteran Kiwi to stay.
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.
Ravindra Jadeja
The Thalapathy Jadeja remains CSK’s golden warrior, and is most likely to hold his position in the squad. Over the years he has proven his mettle over the years, with his great performance for the side.
Jadeja has featured in 180 games for the side in which he has scored 2042 runs and taken 170 wickets as well. His all-round value and experience make him an automatic retention for Chennai Super Kings.
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.
Matheesha Pathirana (Overseas)
While 2025 wasn’t great (13 wickets in 12 games, economy over 10), CSK backs Pathirana’s death-over pedigree. With 34 wickets before this season, he’s still a vital cog.
Shaik Rasheed
Rasheed has been part of the setup since 2023. He got a few games in 2025, scoring 71 runs in 5 innings. CSK is likely to continue investing in him as a backup opener.
Sam Curran (Overseas)
He didn’t feature prominently, but he had a game-changing 80+ knock at No. 3. Curran’s versatility ensures he’ll be part of CSK’s future plans.
Nathan Ellis (Overseas)
Between him and Jamie Overton, CSK will retain Ellis. A Big Bash League-winning captain and preferred over Cummins in the T20 WC, Ellis offers death-over expertise as a backup for Pathirana.
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.
Vansh Bedi
The young wicket-keeper dasher missed IPL 2025 due to injury but remains a highly rated prospect. With Urvil Patel’s rise, Bedi will serve as an understudy.
Andre Siddarth
The 18-year-old from Tamil Nadu didn’t get a game but will be groomed. CSK’s track record with youth suggests he will stay in the system.
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
- Rahul Tripathi
- Deepak Hooda
- Vijay Shankar
- Rachin Ravindra
- Jamie Overton
- Shreyas Gopal
- Ramakrishna Ghosh
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Releasing these players is expected to free up ₹20.75 crore for 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 Frontline Seamers
CSK lacks a genuine Indian fast bowler who can consistently bowl in the death. While Khaleel and Mukesh are decent in the powerplay, a Jasprit Bumrah-esque bowler is needed at the backend. Someone like Mohit Sharma or Avesh Khan.
Overseas Slot Management
Teams can only retain 8 overseas players and field 4 per match. CSK will retain 6, leaving 2 spots open. These will be used strategically:
- One top-order overseas batter
- One explosive all-rounder with a proven international pedigree
Potential targets:
- Sikandar Raza
- Michael Bracewell
- Rovman Powell
- Dasun Shanaka
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 Shaik Rasheed or Urvil Patel in that slot.
Predicted CSK Playing XI for IPL 2026 (Based on Retentions)
- Aayush Mhatre
- Devon Conway / New Overseas Opener (TBA)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
- Shivam Dube
- Dewald Brevis
- Ravindra Jadeja
- All-rounder (Overseas TBA – Powell/Shanaka/Raza)
- MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper)
- Indian Indian Frontline Seamer (TBA)/ Anshul Kambhoj
- Noor Ahmad (Overseas)
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Matheesha Pathirana (Overseas)
Bench strength: Urvil Patel, Shaik Rasheed, Curran, Ellis, Mukesh, Siddarth, Bedi.
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.
