CSK 2026 Retentions: Released, Retained & Trade Players List Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Published - 15 Nov 2025, 13:10 IST | Updated - 15 Nov 2025, 17:11 IST

Joint-most successful team, Chennai Super Kings, had a difficult IPL 2025 campaign where they finished at the bottom of the table. The franchise has been forced to reassess its structure and initiate a progressive overhaul of the squad. The upcoming mini-auction will allow CSK to mix up its core.

The franchise has already made headlines by executing some of the biggest trades of the season. The most notable development came with the long-serving Ravindra Jadeja moving to the Rajasthan Royals after 12 seasons with CSK. The former captain, one of the league’s most experienced all-rounders, heads to Jaipur on a revised fee of INR 14 crore.

In return, CSK secured Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals captain and one of the most consistent T20 batters in India. Arriving at his existing fee of INR 18 crore, Samson becomes one of the costliest trade additions in CSK’s history and is widely seen as a main figure in the team’s future leadership roadmap. Alongside Samson, the Super Kings have also traded out Sam Curran, who will join RR at INR 2.4 crore.

These changes are considered as CSK’s broader transition post the MS Dhoni era, with the management focusing on power hitters, Indian leadership options, and long-term options. CSK have historically placed immense value on continuity, and players like Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Noor Ahmad are widely expected to remain in the setup.

Meanwhile, the release list has expanded after the team’s poor 2025 campaign. Several players, including Devon Conway, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, and Jamie Overton, will return to the auction pool to allow CSK more financial flexibility. Overseas players Pathirana and Rachin Ravindra have also been discussed. Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement has additionally opened up purse space, enabling the franchise to potentially pursue marquee names such as Cameron Green at the auction.