Table of Contents
The roar of the Yellow Army fell silent in 2025 as the Chennai Super Kings endured one of their most challenging seasons, finishing last on the points table. For a franchise built on consistency and champion pedigree, this result makes a drastic change with a surgical approach to the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction a crucial necessity. The goal in front of CSK is clear: retain the spiritual core, back the designated leader, and strategically invest in high-potential young talent. All this, while keeping their motto of trusting talents, no matter the age, at the core of their strategy.
Also Read: LSG Retention list ahead of IPL 2026: Will Lucknow finally get it right?
Sources suggest that the Super Kings' management, driven by a philosophy of continuity and long-term vision, will make some tough emotional calls to free up auction purse for a strategic rebuild. The strategy prioritises retaining a core of experienced match-winners alongside promising Indian youth. CSK might end up being one of the franchises with the highest auction purse remaining heading into the IPL 2026 Mini Auction.
CSK Retention Strategy
The team’s heartbeat, MS Dhoni, is expected to be retained not just for his playing ability, but for his priceless role as mentor and tactical genius. Alongside him, Ravindra Jadeja remains non-negotiable, a world-class, three-dimensional player who embodies the team’s fighting spirit. Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite an injury-hit 2025, will be retained as the designated captain and long-term opening anchor.
The batting unit will be significantly straightforward but powerful. Shivam Dube is a must-keep as the explosive middle-order Indian batter who can turn a game single-handedly. In terms of overseas muscle, the South African sensation Dewald Brevis is seen as a key investment for the future, providing genuine firepower. The franchise will also secure promising Indian youngsters like opener Ayush Mhatre, who was exceptional for the Men in Yellow last season, and middle-order batter Shaik Rasheed, who will be groomed for long-term projects.
The bowling attack hinges on two overseas specialists, the Sri Lankan death-over ace, Matheesha Pathirana, and the talented Afghan spinner, Noor Ahmad. CSK has always banked on a spin-heavy bowling attack, sticking to the advantage that the Chepauk pitch provides. Crucially, the team will retain the services of an experienced Indian pacer like Khaleel Ahmed to take the new ball. In the pace attack, the Australian Nathan Ellis might be retained after impressive performances for the national team in T20Is.
To complete the squad depth and a few other key roles, the retention list will feature versatile all-rounders. The young Kiwi, Rachin Ravindra, provides an excellent top-order overseas batting and spin option. Indian pace-bowling all-rounder Anshul Kamboj and backup wicketkeeper Urvil Patel round out the list, providing necessary domestic cover and potential starters.
Who Will the Super Kings Let Go?
To clean the slate and get major funds for the auction, CSK must say goodbye to several expensive players who didn't perform well. The biggest names leaving are overseas stars Devon Conway (expensive at ₹6.25 Cr) and Sam Curran (₹2.40 Cr). Conway struggled with injuries, and Curran didn't deliver the consistent, high-impact all-round play that was expected. These releases are necessary to free up two important overseas slots and a big chunk of money.
The release list also targets underperforming Indian players like batsmen Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda. Their slow scoring seriously hurt the team, making it easy to release them and free up a combined ₹5.10 Cr.
All-rounders Vijay Shankar and the cheap reserve spinner Shreyas Gopal are also out, as is the costly overseas pacer Jamie Overton, who leaked too many runs. By making these smart, tough decisions, CSK will enter the auction with a huge budget ready to buy top talents.
CSK Probable Retention List (14 Players)
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C, Batter)
MS Dhoni (WK-Batter)
Ravindra Jadeja (All-Rounder)
Rachin Ravindra (O, All-Rounder)
Shivam Dube (All-Rounder)
Matheesha Pathirana (O, Bowler)
Noor Ahmad (O, Bowler)
Dewald Brevis (O, Batter)
Nathan Ellis (O, Bowler)
Khaleel Ahmed (Bowler)
Anshul Kamboj (Bowler)
Ayush Mhatre (Batter)
Urvil Patel (WK-Batter)
Shaik Rasheed (Batter)
CSK Auction Purse for IPL 2026 Mini-Auction
New Total Auction Purse (Estimated): 125.00 Cr
Minus: Total Cost of 14 Retained Players: 95.00 Cr
Estimated Remaining Auction Purse: 30.00 Cr
