Chennai Super Kings: 3 overseas players CSK will likely retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a disappointing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, finishing at the bottom, which necessitates an equally crucial overseas retention debate ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

For a franchise built on continuity and a stable core, overseas players are fundamental to CSK strategy, often embodying the Dad’s Army philosophy of experience and reliability. While their Indian contingent (led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja) provides the backbone, the overseas contingent supplies the crucial high-impact roles: the express death bowler, the consistent foreign opener, and the versatile all-round finisher.

The right retentions will ensure the team preserves its winning mentality and tactical flexibility, allowing them to fill the remaining few, high-value Indian slots in the mini-auction. CSK’s decisions will centre on securing match-winners with a proven track record, especially those who thrive under pressure, and releasing high-priced players with recent inconsistent form.

1. Matheesha Pathirana – Pace Bowler (Death-Over Specialist)

Matheesha Pathirana’s exceptional skills as a death-bowler make him an indispensable part of CSK’s bowling attack. Despite his economy rate of 10.14 in the 2025 season, his unique sling-shot action and his ability to deliver in high-pressure death overs have proven to be game-changing for the team. With 13 wickets from 12 matches, his performance has been pivotal, especially in the back-end of matches. Given his young age and the potential for further development, Pathirana represents a long-term investment that CSK is unlikely to let go of.

2. Noor Ahmad – Spin Bowler (Left-Arm Wrist-Spin)

Noor Ahmad was a revelation in the 2025 season, establishing himself as one of CSK’s most dependable bowlers. The Afghan mystery spinner’s ability to control the middle overs and pick up key wickets made him a standout performer. With 24 wickets in 14 matches, Ahmad played a critical role in maintaining pressure during the middle phases of the game. His consistency, along with his ability to bowl well at Chepauk, has made him a vital part of CSK’s spin attack, making him a highly likely candidate for retention.

3. Dewald Brevis – Middle-Order Batter

Dewald Brevis, known as ‘Baby AB,’ quickly made an impact after joining CSK mid-season in 2025. His aggressive batting style, which saw him score 225 runs in just 6 matches at a striking rate of 180, added much-needed firepower to CSK’s middle order. Brevis’ ability to change the course of a match in the final overs, coupled with his affordable price tag, makes him an exceptional value for CSK. Given his potential as one of the brightest young talents in world cricket, he is expected to be a key player for CSK in the years to come.

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