CSK IPL 2026 Retention List Revealed! Shocking Decision on Dhoni & Jadeja Ahead of Auction
CSK IPL 2026 retention list revealed!
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League’s history but suffered their worst-ever IPL season in 2025 when they finished at the buttocks of the points table. After finishing with only four wins in 14 matches, the five-time champions would like to forget the season. Now, with another season on the horizon, fans are looking forward to CSK’s IPL 2026 retention list before the mega auction.
As the BCCI’s retention deadline of 15 November approaches, CSK will now put plans in motion to return for IPL 2026. Here’s a look at who will stay, who will leave the franchise, and the future of MS Dhoni.
CSK’s Toughest Season Yet: A Wake-Up Call
Even though they’re usually super reliable in the IPL, the Chennai Super Kings just couldn’t get going in 2025. They had a bunch of injuries, some players weren’t playing well, and their older players just weren’t performing like they used to. It really messed up their season.
Now, the team leaders have got to make some tough choices. They need to start building the team around younger guys like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube. Plus, they need to figure out what to do with older players like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.
Big Question: Will MS Dhoni Play in IPL 2026?
One of the questions that most intrigues the fan brain is what will be the retention status of MS Dhoni with CSK for IPL 2026. The old captain who has been the face of the franchise from the very beginning is still the mainstay figure in the team although he has left the leadership column.
Relating to this, some of the earliest news indicate that Dhoni might be kept on the team list, possibly as a player-mentor hybrid. Nevertheless, the reality of his being on the field is quite vague, thus making his presence one of the emotional and strategic moves most CSK management has to fathom.
CSK Retained Players List – IPL 2026
Here’s the official list of retained players by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 auction:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) | Captain, Top-order Batter |
| Ayush Mhatre | Opening Batter |
| Shaik Rasheed | Middle-order Batter |
| Urvil Patel | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Andre Siddharth | Batter |
| MS Dhoni (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Rachin Ravindra | All-rounder (Spin) |
| Shivam Dube | All-rounder (Batting) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder (Spin) |
| Anshul Kamboj | All-rounder (Pace) |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | All-rounder |
| Dewald Brevis | Top-order Batter |
| Vansh Bedi (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Left-arm Pacer |
| Noor Ahmad | Spinner |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler |
| Nathan Ellis | Fast Bowler |
Likely Released Players – IPL 2026
Some big names have reportedly not made it to the CSK IPL 2026 retention list. Among them are foreign stars and domestic veterans who struggled to make an impact last season.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Devon Conway | Top-order Batter |
| Rahul Tripathi | Batter |
| R. Ashwin | All-rounder (Retired) |
| Sam Curran | All-rounder (Pace) |
| Deepak Hooda | All-rounder |
| Jamie Overton | All-rounder (Pace) |
| Vijay Shankar | All-rounder |
| Kamlesh Nagarkoti | Bowler |
| Mukesh Choudhary | Bowler |
| Shreyas Gopal | Spinner |
The exit of Sam Curran and Conway comes as a surprise to many fans, but it opens up purse space for new overseas signings at the IPL 2026 Mega Auction.
CSK Retentions from IPL 2025: A Quick Recap
Before the 2025 season, CSK had spent heavily to retain their core unit, hoping to continue their legacy. Here’s how their previous retention list looked:
| Player | Price (INR Crore) |
|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 18.00 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 18.00 |
| Matheesha Pathirana | 13.00 |
| Shivam Dube | 12.00 |
| MS Dhoni | 4.00 |
| Total Spent | 65.00 |
Despite a poor season, the core trust in Ruturaj and Jadeja continues as CSK’s leadership backbone going into 2026.
Chennai Super Kings is getting ready for a new chapter with a new squad, possibly new coaching changes, and a desire for improvement. The management of the team is likely to invest in young all-rounders and quality pacers from India at the auction.
Fans can look for the “Yellow Army” to return hungry for redemption in IPL 2026 with their strong fan base and relentless spirit.
CSK’s player retentions mean a fresh start for the team. Saying goodbye to experienced players like Ashwin and Conway is tough, but the team is now looking toward its younger talent.
Whether MS Dhoni plays or coaches, one thing’s for sure: CSK will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 IPL.
Also Read: Fastest Century in IPL History (2008-25)
Share this content:
Post Comment