As anticipation mounts for the IPL 2026 retention and release list, conversations are already underway regarding the team reshuffles. One of the teams under the telescope is the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After finishing at the bottom of the points table for IPL 2025, there will be no surprise if CSK makes some substantial changes to its squad.
Chennai Super Kings management has confessed to tactical errors in the last mega auction that left them with an unsuitable squad. With IPL 2026 looming, the team is keen to rebuild, which includes letting go of some stars who underperformed last season, including one of MS Dhoni’s trusted players.
5 players CSK may release at any cost before IPL 2026
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1. Ravichandran Ashwin – Veteran Spinner May Walk Away
Maybe the most shocking inclusion on this list is Ravichandran Ashwin, an experienced spinner and former long-time member of the CSK team. Despite his experience, Ashwin had a disappointing IPL 2025 season where he only picked up 7 wickets in 9 matches. On spin-friendly wickets, he looked ineffective, which is concerning for a team like CSK that relies on spin.
It is reported that Ashwin himself is eager to leave CSK, perhaps an indication of a shared willingness to discontinue the partnership. With IPL 2026 as a new chance, CSK may release Ashwin to scout better and more energetic spinners who are younger.
2. Rahul Tripathi – Middle Order Struggles Continue
Rahul Tripathi got full opportunities from CSK in IPL 2025, but he could not give consistent returns. Asked to stabilize the middle order or pick up the pace of the run rate, Tripathi underachieved on both fronts.
Entering IPL 2026, CSK will probably be searching for a more dependable middle-order batsman — someone who will stabilize innings and still have a decent strike rate. This very much means Rahul Tripathi might not find himself in the retained list.
3. Devon Conway – Overseas Star Fails to Shine
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Devon Conway’s IPL 2025 season should be considered a bad dream as he started it, once embracing it as an exciting international opportunity. Conway was backed by the team for the duration of the season, but it did not matter as no runs were scored in his innings with the bat. His technique has also been questioned, given today’s T20 world, where aggression and strike rate are what matter.
With only limited overseas spots, CSK has a chance to replace him with an overseas batsman who has better arms and is more consistent before IPL 2026 rolls around.
4. Mukesh Choudhary – Concerns Regarding Form and Fitness
Mukesh Choudhary had been giving a glimpse of brilliance in the previous seasons, but his season in the IPL 2025 was filled with poor form and injury problems.
With aggressive fast bowling being an integral part of any winning IPL franchise, CSK may not be willing to take a risk on a bowler who has been a problem with inconsistency and injuries. Before IPL 2026, CSK would focus on signing a more robust and prolific pace bowler who could perform throughout the season.
5. Vijay Shankar – All-Rounder Fails to Deliver
All-rounder Vijay Shankar is another name set to be freed. Although he has the talent to score with both bat and ball, Shankar has not been able to fulfill his potential wearing the yellow jersey. His failure to close out games and inability to make an impact with the ball have turned him into a liability. In IPL 2026, CSK might look to sign an all-rounder who is a dynamic finisher, maybe someone like Hardik Pandya.
CSK Eyes Rebuild for IPL 2026
Following a poor stint in IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would be looking to make some strong decisions to restore their past glory. Release of inconsistent performers like Ashwin, Tripathi, Conway, Mukesh, and Vijay Shankar would be the starting point of creating a stronger, more competitive team for IPL 2026. With a new outlook and improved auction strategy, CSK will be looking to restore its glory in IPL 2026.
ALSO READ: Here’s Why: R Ashwin And Chennai Super Kings Might Separate Ways
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