The five-time IPL champions are set to go through a major revamp ahead of IPL 2026.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have added Sanju Samson to the squad in one of the biggest trades in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Though a huge chunk of their problems would be solved by the trade, they have let go of all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. They will have things to worry about after the CSK retention list IPL 2026.
The Men in Yellow went through one of their worst campaigns last season, and the CSK retentions for the year will have a big role to play in IPL 2026. Having said that, the team has revealed the Chennai Super Kings released players 2026 list.
The CSK retention list IPL 2026 does have a lot of expected names, but the main discussions about the 2026 CSK players list would have to take place at the auction table in December.
Complete IPL 2026 Retention List, Released Players, and Remaining Purse Status
The strategy for the CSK retained players 2026 has been extremely simple for the franchise. With vital additions last season, the team has formed a good core for the top order when it comes to batting.
However, after the Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran trade with the Rajasthan Royals, the 2026 CSK players list will have to be a calculated version after the auction. The management will look to acquire some bowling options, especially in the spin-bowling department.
Check out the full list of CSK team players with price:
| Players | Status | Purse + / – (INR) |
| MS Dhoni | Retained | – 4 crore |
| Sanju Samson | Trade | – 18 crore |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Retained | – 18 crore |
| Urvil Patel | Retained | – 30 lakh |
| Ayush Mhatre | Retained | – 30 lakh |
| Dewald Brevis | Retained | – 2.2 crore |
| Jamie Overton | Retained | – 1.50 crore |
| Nathan Ellis | Retained | – 2 crore |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Retained | – 4.80 crore |
| Noor Ahmad | Retained | – 10 crore |
| Shivam Dube | Retained | – 12 crore |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | Retained | – 30 Lakh |
| Gurjapneet Singh | Retained | – 2.20 crore |
| Shreyas Gopal | Retained | – 30 Lakh |
| Mukesh Choudhary | Retained | – 30 Lakh |
| Anshul Kamboj | Retained | – 3.40 crore |
| Devon Conway | Released | + 6.25 crore |
| Rahul Tripathi | Released | + 3.40 crore |
| Vansh Bedi | Released | + 55 lakh |
| Andre Siddharth | Released | + 30 lakh |
| Rachin Ravindra | Released | + 4 crore |
| Vijay Shankar | Released | + 1.2 crore |
| Kamlesh Nagarkoti | Released | + 30 lakh |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Released | + 13 crore |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | Released | + 30 lakh |
| Deepak Hooda | Released | + 1.7 crore |
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Here’s the full 2026 CSK players list after the retentions were finalised:
ALSO READ: DC Retention List IPL 2026, Released Players, and Remaining Purse Amount
CSK have the second-biggest purse in the IPL 2026 auction. Hence, they can target certain players who need to form the XI. Their primary target will be getting a quality spinner who can contribute with the bat.
Ravindra Jadeja is no longer around, while Ravichandran Ashwin has retired. So, they are left with Noor Ahmad as a certain starter, but he is not known for his batting. The idea should be to get a finger spinner to support Noor.
The other slots to fill will be a pace-bowling all-rounder who can be flexible with his batting position and a lower-order batter. CSK have let Sam Curran and Vijay Shankar go, and Jamie Overton is their only option in the CSK retained players 2026 list. While he can do the job, the five-time champions won’t mind more options.
Let’s check the top 3 CSK targets in the IPL 2026 auction.
Akeal Hosein: Akeal Hosein might be one of their prime CSK targets in the IPL 2026 auction. He plays for them in sister franchises in other T20 leagues and has proved his utility. With recent improvements as a batter, Akeal can replicate the job Jadeja used to do, and he can also bowl in the power play as a bonus, something CSK expected from Ashwin last season.
Andre Russell: It won’t be surprising if Andre Russell lands in a team he has enjoyed playing against over the years. As mentioned, CSK have Jamie Overton, but would need a more proven option in this department. Russell brings batting muscle and can bowl two overs frequently at the death, which is required since the team has included Matheesha Pathirana among the CSK released players 2026.
Glenn Maxwell: There’s no slot in the top five for Maxwell, but he has started doing the finisher’s job for Australia in T20Is. He can replicate the same for CSK and bat just ahead of MS Dhoni in the order. Then, his bowling is also more than handy, and he is easily among the finest part-timers in white-ball cricket.
CSK almost have a set batting unit going into the auction and will look to make a few strategic additions to further bolster the side. Check every CSK auction news here.
CSK retained players for IPL 2026 are MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Sanju Samson, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed, Noor Ahmad, Shivam Dube, Anshul Kamboj, Shreyas Gopal, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Ramakrishna Ghosh, and Jamie Overton.
CSK released players for IPL 2026 are Ravichandran Ashwin, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddharth, Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Matheesha Pathirana, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Hooda, Shaik Rasheed, and Sam Curran.
CSK auction strategy 2026 would revolve around identifying good prospects for their spin-bowling department. Additionally, the Men in Yellow would also like to acquire a couple of good all-rounders in their ranks to find effective replacements for someone like Sam Curran.
After slotting 12 players each in the CSK released players list and the CSK retention list IPL 2026, the five-time champions have a purse of INR 43.40 Crore left for them to utilise on the auction day.
