Chennai Super Kings shocked everyone by releasing 11 players before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The CSK released players 2026 list includes some big names who have won matches before. CSK now has Rs 43.40 crore left to spend on new talents in December.
CSK’s Big Releases and Trades for IPL 2026
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Sam Curran
- Rahul Tripathi
- Vijay Shankar
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
- Rachin Ravindra
- Deepak Hooda
- Devon Conway
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Andre Siddharth
- Shaik Rasheed
- Vansh Bedi
- Matheesha Pathirana
Ravindra Jadeja left the Chennai Super Kings after years of service and joined the Rajasthan Royals through trade. Sam Curran also went to RR in the same deal that brought someone special back. Devon Conway was released after struggling badly with his batting form last season.
The biggest incoming trade saw Sanju Samson finally arrive from the Rajasthan Royals to the Chennai Super Kings. This Kerala wicketkeeper-batter has scored 4,704 runs in IPL history so far. CSK gave up Jadeja and Curran together to get Samson which surprised many people.
These released players, totalling 11 will now find new teams in the mini-auction. Chennai Super Kings has 9 empty spots left, including 4 overseas player slots available still.
Ruturaj Gaikwad Stays Captain for IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings officially announced that Ruturaj Gaikwad continues as captain for the next season ahead. Many thought Sanju Samson would become captain after joining the Chennai Super Kings from the Rajasthan Royals. But the management stuck with Gaikwad who led them last year until injuries stopped him.
Samson has captaincy experience, but won’t work the captain’s role at CSK surprisingly. He’ll open innings alongside Gaikwad instead and bring his big-hitting skills to Chennai. People wondered if MS Dhoni’s successor was Samson, but the Chennai Super Kings chose Gaikwad clearly now.
Gaikwad’s captaincy got confirmed through CSK’s social media posts, which created huge discussions online. The young opener earned this faith from management after performing consistently before getting injured.
MS Dhoni and Other Retained Players
MS Dhoni remains with CSK as mentor and finisher for IPL 2026 obviously. The 43-year-old legend still hits sixes when Chennai needs them most desperately. Other retained players include experienced Indian cricketers who know winning IPL titles well.
Chennai Super Kings must use their remaining Rs 43.40 crore wisely during the December mini-auction. The released players for the next season left big gaps that need filling with quality replacements. Four overseas slots give CSK chances to buy match-winners from different countries potentially.
