The CSK think tank is expected to make a few tactical changes, possibly releasing players who underperformed last season. (Photo: Alamy)
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for a crucial phase ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. With the mini auction scheduled for mid-December, all ten IPL teams must submit their final list of retained players by mid-November. This step will decide which players stay with the franchise and which ones are released into the auction pool.
For CSK, this year’s retention list holds special importance. The team had a forgettable 2025 season, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in years. The management now aims to rebuild its squad by holding on to its core performers while releasing players who didn’t meet expectations.
Speculation continues over MS Dhoni’s future in the IPL. While there has been no official confirmation about his retirement, sources suggest the CSK captain will continue to be part of the squad — either as a player or mentor. His leadership and experience remain invaluable to the team’s balance and morale.
Alongside Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad is almost certain to be retained. The right-handed opener, who has shown consistent form over the past few seasons, is seen as the future of CSK. Shivam Dube, one of the standout performers in 2025 with his explosive batting in the middle order, also remains a top retention candidate.
| Player | Role |
| MS Dhoni | Keeper-batter |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batter |
| Ayush Mihatre | Battar |
| Urvil Patel | Batter |
| Shivam Dube | Batter |
| Dewald Brevis | Batter |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler |
| Anshul Kamboj | Bowler |
The CSK think tank is expected to make a few tactical changes, possibly releasing players who underperformed last season. The aim is to build a balanced squad with a mix of youth and experience.
In the 2025 IPL season, CSK’s biggest challenge was their inconsistent top order. The team began the campaign with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra as openers, but the pair failed to provide strong starts. Their lack of form left CSK struggling in the first half of the season, placing them near the bottom of the table.
The turnaround came only when Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel were introduced as injury replacements. Their performances provided a much-needed spark to the batting lineup and gave fans a glimpse of the team’s potential future combination.
| Criterion | Urvil Patel | Ayush Mhatre |
| Matches | 3 | 7 |
| Runs | 68 | 240 |
| Strike Rate | 212.50 | 189.98 |
While Urvil Patel impressed with his aggressive approach and high strike rate, Ayush Mhatre proved to be a reliable top-order batter who could anchor innings and accelerate when required. Their addition could form a strong trio with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top, giving CSK a rejuvenated batting setup for IPL 2026.
CSK’s bowling attack, led by Matheesha Pathirana, showed glimpses of brilliance but struggled with injuries and consistency. Pathirana’s pace and death-over skills make him a certain retention, while Ravindra Jadeja remains the team’s all-round pillar.
Young talents like Noor Ahmad and Anshul Kamboj might also get another season to prove themselves. The management is reportedly keen on developing them into reliable bowling options.
With Nathan Ellis and Khaleel Ahmed providing experience in pace bowling, CSK will look to retain this combination to ensure a balanced attack.
CSK’s strategy for IPL 2026 is clear — build a core team that can deliver consistent performances and adapt to evolving T20 trends. With an experienced core and promising youngsters, the franchise hopes to bounce back stronger after a disappointing 2025.
The mini auction in December will further shape CSK’s future as the team looks to fill key gaps, especially in the opening and middle-order batting positions. Fans will keenly watch how the management reshapes the squad to reclaim its dominance in the league.
