IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Retained and Released Players – Updated Best List
Check CSK retained and released players list and Chennai Super Kings squad update for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
When we talk about the Chennai Super Kings, we see a franchise that defines consistency in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Whether it’s consistency in performance or team selection, CSK have always trusted their players, building a reputation for loyalty and stability. This trust has delivered quality performances and multiple IPL titles over the years. However, after 18 years of dominance, even the most successful team faces challenges, and CSK now enter IPL 2026 at one of their toughest phases yet.
The IPL 2025 season turned out to be the lowest point for CSK, as the team not only finished last in the points table but also missed out on the playoffs and successive finals for the first time. Just two years earlier, in IPL 2023, CSK lifted the trophy as champions, but the last two seasons have been a reality check for the most successful franchise in IPL history. Going into IPL 2026, CSK seem determined to bounce back stronger, as they have already started identifying problem areas and making key replacements in their retained players list.
One of CSK’s biggest problems in IPL 2025 was their overreliance on ageing and out-of-form players, with very little focus on introducing fresh talent. This strategy backfired, as several senior players struggled to deliver consistent performances. However, the Chennai Super Kings management quickly identified this issue, and began rebuilding by signing exciting youngsters like Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel. With these promising additions, fans are eager to see how CSK approach their IPL 2026 retention strategy.
Which Players Will Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Retain in IPL 2026?
When it comes to CSK’s IPL 2026 retention list, the franchise is expected to stick with around 13 sure-shot players who will form the core of the squad.
- Batsmen: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, and Dewald Brevis
- Wicket-keepers: MS Dhoni and Urvil Patel
- All-rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Sam Curran
- Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Anshul Kamboj, and Khaleel Ahmed
These names not only provide balance across all departments but also highlight CSK’s mix of experience and young talent heading into IPL 2026. With Dhoni still guiding the team, and youngsters like Brevis and Mhatre bringing fresh energy, the Chennai Super Kings retained squad looks solid on paper. Along with the 13 confirmed retentions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are expected to retain a few promising youngsters who have shown potential. The franchise is likely to back:
- Nathan Ellis
- Andre Siddharth
- Shaik Rasheed
- Ramkrishna Ghosh
- Vansh Bedi
These players bring a mix of batting and bowling depth, and CSK may continue to invest in them for at least one more year. Among these youngsters, Andre Siddharth, Ramkrishna Ghosh, and Vansh Bedi are yet to play a game for CSK, but the team management sees long-term value in their development. Chennai Super Kings may announce a strong retained squad for IPL 2026, keeping faith in both experienced stars and young talent. So, here’s the best final list of CSK retained players ahead of the Mini auction.
IPL 2026 Best Retained Players List for Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Batters
- Andre Siddharth
- Ayush Mhatre
- Dewald Brevis (Overseas)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
- Shaik Rasheed
Wicket-keepers
- MS Dhoni
- Urvil Patel
- Vansh Bedi
All-rounders
- Rachin Ravindra (Overseas)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Sam Curran (Overseas)
- Shivam Dube
Bowlers
- Anshul Kamboj
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Matheesha Pathirana (Overseas)
- Nathan Ellis (Overseas)
- Noor Ahmad (Overseas)
- Ramkrishna Ghosh
As part of their rebuilding phase, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are expected to release several senior players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Most of these players struggled with form during IPL 2025, and many are already nearing the final stages of their careers. CSK are likely to replace them with fresh young talent in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction, focusing on long-term stability rather than short-term fixes. Among the names likely to be let go are Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Devon Conway, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jamie Overton, Shreyas Gopal, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, etc. So, here’s the list of CSK’s best released players for IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 Best Released Players List for Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Rahul Tripathi
- Devon Conway (Overseas)
- Deepak Hooda
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Vijay Shankar
- Gurjapneet Singh
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Shreyas Gopal
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
- Jamie Overton (Overseas)
What’s your take on the best retained players list for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026? Please share your thoughts on advertising@cricgasm.com.
