Chennai Super Kings: Full List of CSK Retentions, Releases, Remaining Slots & Purse | IPL 2026 Auction

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) approached the IPL 2026 retention window with a strategic focus on rebuilding their squad after a challenging IPL 2025 season that saw them finish last. Their retention decisions reflect a clear plan to blend experienced stalwarts with promising talent while maximizing flexibility for the upcoming auction.

CSK retained a core group of key players, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni and emerging talents like Nathan Ellis, Dewald Brevis and Noor Ahmad. The retention of seasoned players demonstrates CSK’s intent to maintain a strong leadership and experience base to guide the team’s rebuild.

CSK parted ways with several notable names, including Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda and Rachin Ravindra. These releases were motivated by the need to free up significant purse space and accommodate new signings to strengthen weak areas exposed during IPL 2025. The departure of high-profile overseas players also signals CSK’s readiness to refresh their overseas contingent and focus on domestic talent depth.

With a lucrative purse remaining (approximately ₹43.5 crore), CSK holds substantial buying power at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. They have multiple slots open in the squad, allowing them to pursue a wide range of players to address batting depth, death bowling, and all-round flexibility, all crucial for their fightback campaign.

CSK’s retention strategy underscores a commitment to integrating youth and experience. The franchise aims to leverage homegrown talent supported by international stars, targeting a competitive knockout spot and ultimately the IPL title. The readiness to overhaul the squad signals adaptability and an aggressive mindset to compete in cricket’s toughest T20 league.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Retentions – Devon Conway reacts after his release from the CSK squad

Players released: Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth, Shaikh Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ravindra Jadeja (traded to Rajasthan Royals), Sam Curran (traded to Rajasthan Royals)

Players retained: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Sanju Samson (traded in from Rajasthan Royals)

Purse remaining: INR 43.4 cr

Slots remaining: 9 (4 overseas)

Also READ – IPL 2026: Robin Uthappa reveals his choices for CSK’s top 3 in the upcoming edition