by Chennai Super Kings are facing their biggest rebuild in years after a disastrous IPL 2025 campaign.
The five-time champions finished last on the points table with just 4 wins from 14 matches.
This shocking collapse has triggered massive squad changes.
MS Dhoni continues as captain while Stephen Fleming oversees the complete restructuring.
Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
CSK enters IPL 2026 with fresh faces, new leadership support, and a clear strategy to bounce back from their worst season ever.
Follow CricketBureau.com for more CSK and IPL 2026 updates.
Historic Trade Reshapes CSK’s Squad
The biggest trade in IPL history is now officially complete. Chennai Super Kings have acquired Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals in a blockbuster three-player swap.
In exchange, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move to the Rajasthan Royals. All paperwork and BCCI approvals are finalized.
Samson is now an official CSK player for IPL 2026. This trade fundamentally changes both franchises’ squad composition and balance.
Also Check: Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
Why This Trade Matters for CSK?
Losing Ravindra Jadeja hurts deeply. He was CSK’s premier all-rounder for 12 seasons, playing over 250 matches in yellow.
Sam Curran’s exit also removes a valuable overseas all-rounder. His left-arm pace and lower-order hitting were useful assets.
However, gaining Sanju Samson brings marquee wicketkeeper-batting talent. He provides explosive top-order firepower and an alternative leadership presence beside Dhoni.
CSK management believes Samson’s attacking style suits their new direction. They want younger, aggressive players who can dominate from ball one.
Also Chck: Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
CSK IPL 2026 Retained Players – Complete List
Chennai Super Kings retained 15 players who form their core for the upcoming season. The list includes established stars and promising young talents.
Full Retained Squad Table
| Player Name | Role | Status Update |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni (Captain) | WK-Batter | Confirmed |
| Sanju Samson | WK-Batter | Officially Joined CSK – Trade Completed |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batter | Retained |
| Shivam Dube | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler | Retained |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler | Retained |
| Shaik Rasheed | Batter | Retained |
| Andre Siddarth | Batter | Retained |
| Anshul Kamboj | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Kamlesh Nagarkoti | All-Rounder | Expected Retention |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler | Retained |
| Shreyas Gopal | Bowler | Expected Retention |
| Vansh Bedi | WK-Batter | Retained |
| Gurjapneet Singh | All-Rounder | Retained |
Key Retention Highlights
- Sanju Samson’s arrival – Brings explosive batting and proven leadership experience
- MS Dhoni remains captain – The legend continues guiding CSK’s fortunes
- Young bowling core – Pathirana and Noor Ahmad form future attack foundation
- Emerging batting talents – Rasheed, Siddarth, and Bedi get extended opportunities
- All-round depth – Multiple players who can contribute with bat and ball
Samson gives CSK exactly what they lacked in 2025 – aggressive top-order batting. His strike rate and big-match temperament address major weaknesses.
Matheesha Pathirana’s retention shows CSK’s faith in young fast bowlers. The Sri Lankan pacer has genuine pace and yorker skills for death overs.
Ruturaj Gaikwad continues as their premier Indian batsman. Despite team struggles, he remained consistent throughout the difficult 2025 season.
Read Also: Most Successful Teams in IPL History
CSK IPL 2026 Released Players – Major Exits
Chennai Super Kings released 13 players as part of their complete squad reset. Some big names departed alongside the trade exits.
Complete Released & Traded Players List
| Player Name | Exit Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | Traded to RR | Part of the Samson mega-trade |
| Sam Curran | Traded to RR | Swap deal completed |
| Devon Conway | Released | Poor form in 2025 |
| Rachin Ravindra | Released | Average season |
| Rahul Tripathi | Released | Low impact |
| Deepak Hooda | Released | Underperformed |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | Retired | IPL retirement |
| Vijay Shankar | Released | Inconsistent |
| Jamie Overton | Released | Not utilized |
| Mukesh Choudhary | Released | Limited impact |
| Dewald Brevis | Released | Not in CSK plans |
| Urvil Patel | Released | No game time |
| Ayush Mhatre | Released | Not retained |
Understanding the Releases
Devon Conway’s release surprised some fans. However, his poor form throughout 2025 made the decision easier for management.
Rachin Ravindra had an average debut season with CSK. The franchise decided not to invest further in his development.
Rahul Tripathi never found his rhythm in yellow. His limited impact across matches sealed his exit.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement ends a legendary IPL career. CSK will miss his experience and tactical mind in crunch situations.
Jamie Overton and Mukesh Choudhary barely featured in playing XIs. Their releases free overseas slots and domestic pace positions.
Important Note: Jadeja and Curran’s trade exits have completely reshaped CSK’s squad balance. The franchise must find quality all-rounders and pacers at the mini-auction.
Also Check: Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
CSK Squad Summary for IPL 2026 (Current Status)
| Category | Player Names |
|---|---|
| Batters & WKs | MS Dhoni (c), Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, Andre Siddarth, Vansh Bedi |
| All-Rounders | Shivam Dube, Anshul Kamboj, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh |
| Traded Out | Ravindra Jadeja (to RR), Sam Curran (to RR) |
| Bowlers | Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal |
Total Retained: 15 Players Indian Players: 12 Overseas Players: 3 (Samson, Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Ellis) Major Gap: Quality all-rounders after Jadeja-Curran exit
This squad has strong batting depth with Dhoni, Samson, Gaikwad, and Dube. However, the bowling attack needs serious strengthening at the auction.
CSK’s Auction Strategy for IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings have clear priorities heading into the mini-auction. They know exactly which positions need urgent attention after the releases.
Top Auction Priorities
- Fast bowler with death-overs ability – Replace Curran’s lower-order bowling impact
- Top overseas finisher – Need someone who can close tight matches
- Middle-order Indian batter – Support Dube and Samson with stability
- Backup spinner – Provide cover for Noor Ahmad
- Young domestic pace options – Strengthen bench depth for the full season
Key Focus Areas for Rebuild
- Build long-term core – Gaikwad, Dube, Samson, Pathirana form the foundation
- Replace Jadeja-Curran value – Target quality all-rounders through smart bidding
- Support Dhoni better – Give the captain a stronger, more consistent batting group
- Improve death overs – CSK struggled badly in overs 16-20 during the 2025 season
CSK will likely bid aggressively for proven all-rounders. Losing Jadeja and Curran creates a massive void that needs filling immediately.
A quality death-overs specialist pacer is non-negotiable. CSK leaked too many runs in the final overs last season.
They also need a reliable overseas finisher who can bat anywhere from 4-7. This flexibility was crucial to their past success.
Read More: IPL 2026 Trade Window – Full List & Updates
What does This mean for CSK’s 2026 Campaign?
Chennai Super Kings face a defining moment in their IPL history. After their worst-ever season, they must prove the rebuild works quickly.
Sanju Samson’s addition brings much-needed aggression at the top. His partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad could be explosive if it clicks.
However, losing Jadeja leaves a leadership vacuum beyond just statistics. His experience in pressure situations was invaluable for years.
MS Dhoni continues as captain, but at his age, CSK needs a strong support system. Samson provides that alternative leadership voice.
Expert Analysis
Cricket analysts have mixed views on CSK’s rebuild approach. Some praise the bold Samson trade, while others question losing Jadeja’s all-round value.
The retention of young talents like Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, and Rasheed shows long-term thinking. CSK clearly wants a team that can compete for 3-4 years.
However, the success of this rebuild depends entirely on auction execution. CSK must find the right all-rounders and death bowlers.
Stephen Fleming’s experience will be crucial during bidding. He’s built championship teams before and knows what CSK needs.
Did You Know? Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
Final Thoughts:
Chennai Super Kings begin a bold new chapter with Sanju Samson officially joining their squad.
The Samson-Jadeja-Curran trade represents the biggest roster shake-up in recent CSK history.
Losing Ravindra Jadeja after 12 loyal seasons hurts emotionally. He was CSK’s heart and soul, contributing over 250 matches in the yellow jersey.
Sam Curran’s exit removes a valuable overseas all-round balance. His left-arm variations and lower-order hitting were useful assets in tight matches.
However, gaining Sanju Samson brings explosive top-order firepower that CSK desperately lacked in 2025. His aggressive batting style perfectly suits modern T20 cricket.
MS Dhoni continues leading the side, providing stability during this transition. His calm presence helps young players develop without excessive pressure.
The retained core of Gaikwad, Dube, Pathirana, and Noor Ahmad forms a solid foundation. These players can compete at the highest level for years.
CSK’s 2026 success will depend heavily on smart auction picks. They absolutely must land a quality fast bowler with death-overs skills.
An overseas finisher who can bat anywhere from 4-7 is equally critical. CSK needs someone who closes matches when Dhoni can’t.
Replacing Jadeja’s all-round value won’t be easy. No single player offers his combination of spin bowling, explosive batting, and brilliant fielding.
If CSK executes their auction strategy perfectly, they can bounce back strongly. The pieces are there for a competitive squad ready to challenge again.
Chennai Super Kings enter IPL 2026 with renewed hope, a refreshed squad, and determination to prove last season was just a temporary setback.
