IPL’s most successful franchise, Chennai Super Kings, had a tough IPL 2025 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 matches. Their season was heavily impacted when Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out early due to injury, forcing MS Dhoni to step in as captain once again. Despite some promising individual performances, the team struggled to find momentum throughout the season.
With the IPL 2026 retentions now officially announced, CSK have confirmed 16 players, including 4 overseas, forming a clearer and more stable core for the upcoming season. Young talents like Noor Ahmad, Dewald Brevis, and Ayush Mhatre remain part of the setup, while the management looks to rebuild around a stronger bowling unit and a refreshed Indian core ahead of the auction.
Retention Summary
- Total Players Retained: 16
- Overseas Players Retained: 4
- Total Money Spent: ₹81.60 crore
- Salary Cap Remaining: ₹43.40 crore
- Total Slots Left: 9
- Overseas Slots Left: 4
CSK Retained & Released Players for IPL 2026
Here are the retained players of CSK for IPL 2026.
| Player Name | Role | IPL contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) | Batter | 2502 runs for CSK at an average of 40.35 |
| MS Dhoni | WK–Batter | 5314 runs for CSK; led CSK to five IPL titles |
| Shivam Dube | All-Rounder | Spin destroyer; 1460 runs for CSK with a strike rate of 151.60 |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler | 24 wickets in 14 games at an economy of 8.16 |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler | 15 wickets in 14 games at an economy of 9.57 |
| Anshul Kamboj | Bowler | 8 wickets with an economy of 8.5; promising youngster |
| Dewald Brevis | Batter | 225 runs in 6 matches at a strike rate of 180 |
| Gurjapneet Singh | Bowler | Young Indian pacer providing depth to the attack |
| Jamie Overton | All-Rounder | Overseas all-rounder offering pace and lower-order hitting |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler | Overseas seamer known for death-overs control |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | Batter | Promising domestic batter developing steadily |
| Sanju Samson (T) | WK–Batter | Experienced IPL batter with strong middle-order impact |
| Shreyas Gopal | Bowler (Spinner) | Leg spinner adding control and variation to CSK’s spin unit |
| Syed Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler | Left-arm pacer bringing accuracy and swing options |
| Ayush Mhatre | Batter | Young top-order talent backed for long-term development |
| Urvil Patel | WK–Batter | Wicketkeeper-batter adding squad depth |
CSK Released Players List
- Ravindra Jadeja – traded to Rajasthan Royals
- Sam Curran (ENG) – transferred to RR
- Rahul Tripathi
- Vansh Bedi
- Andre Siddarth
- Rachin Ravindra (NZ)
- Deepak Hooda
- Vijay Shankar
- Shaik Rasheed
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
- Matheesha Pathirana (SL)
- Devon Conway (NZ)
- Ravichandran Ashwin – retired from IPL
Below is a quick breakdown of what each retained player brings to the table.
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain, Batter)
Ruturaj Gaikwad, with 2502 runs at an average of 40.35, has become CSK’s long-term leader and opening batter. He also won the orange cap for CSK in 2021.
Despite CSK’s poor 2025 season, his composure and leadership potential make him the best contender for retention. As captain, he represents the team’s next chapter under the guidance of MS Dhoni while ensuring top-order stability. CSK will retain him for his consistency, maturity, and ability to lead under pressure.
2. Shivam Dube (All-Rounder)
Shivam Dube is an explosive batter, especially against spin, and brings balance to CSK’s middle order.
With 1460 runs at a strike rate above 150, he’s become one of the side’s most impactful power hitters. Dube’s progression as a finisher and occasional bowler ensures CSK can rely on his skills in any scenario.
3. Noor Ahmad (Bowler)
Noor Ahmad shone with 24 wickets in just 14 games at an economy of 8.16 in his CSK debut in 2025.
His wicket-taking ability in the middle overs and power play overs provides CSK an effective spin option. Retaining Noor secures CSK an elite spin partnership alongside Jadeja for the Chepauk pitch.
4. Khaleel Ahmed (Bowler)
Khaleel Ahmed’s left-arm angle and control helped him secure 15 wickets with an economy of 9.57.
His new-ball efficiency and ability to complement Pathirana strengthen CSK’s pace combination. His Indian core status and consistent economy ensure CSK retains him as a frontline pacer with room for growth.
5. Anshul Kamboj (Bowler)
Anshul Kamboj, with eight wickets at an economy of eight, showed skills to become the long-term player for this franchise.
CSK identifies him as a developing Indian bowler who brings intensity and discipline in any phase of the game. Retaining Kamboj supports CSK’s commitment to youth development and investment in a future homegrown pacer.
6. Dewald Brevis (Batter)
Dewald Brevis replaced Gurjanpreet Singh in mid-season and impressed with 225 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 180.
His aggressive stroke play and ability to hit boundaries in the middle overs make him a modern T20 asset. CSK is likely to retain Brevis to maintain the middle order with this overseas player and long-term potential.
7. MS Dhoni (WK-Batter)
If MS Dhoni will play next season. CSK is likely to retain their poster boy, who led this franchise to become a 5-time champion and the strongest team. Apart from Dhoni’s 5314 runs, 2nd most for the CSK franchise, his leadership is the success mantra of CSK.
Under his captaincy, CSK was the team to defeat, and his mentorship is beneficial in grooming Ruturaj for the future. Even at this stage of his career, Dhoni’s retention is crucial for legacy, stability, and strategic guidance.
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Conclusion: CSK Retentions Confirmed for IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings have officially retained 16 players, including 4 overseas, signalling a strong commitment to their trusted core for IPL 2026. With MS Dhoni confirmed for another season and Ruturaj Gaikwad continuing as the long-term leader, the franchise enters the new campaign with clarity and stability.
The retained group features dependable all-rounders, emerging bowlers, and exciting overseas names, giving CSK a solid foundation to make a comeback next season. If the team addresses its bowling issues at the auction and gets consistent performances from its core, CSK could once again position themselves as strong title contenders in IPL 2026.
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