The rumours around Chennai Super Kings‘ (CSK) roster continue to make the rounds as we approach the mini-auction in December. Many players have made it to the 2026 CSK released players list as per the latest reports, based on their performances in the last edition and future outlook. The 2025 edition witnessed the Super Kings finishing last on the points table with four wins in 14 games. As a result, there have been notable names who are likely to be under the scanner as CSK revamp their squad. Let’s discuss the few players who are likely to be released by the Chennai-based franchise ahead of the mini-auction.

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Potential IPL 2026 CSK Released Players List

The major talking point for CSK’s underperformance was their struggle in the batting department. Many experienced batters failed to maintain/increase the team’s tempo, resulting in the side falling behind the opposition on many occasions. After skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament midway, the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and Dewald Brevis impressed the cricket fraternity with their fearless approach. Due to their presence, many veteran stars make an entry to the 2026 CSK released players list.

Devon Conway

Role: Top-order batter (South Africa)

Playing as an opener, Devon Conway struggled to get going in the power play, as he could not garner enough runs to give the middle-order a cushion. The technically sound batter’s inability to hit consistent boundaries hurt CSK’s chances, as they had to catch up with the run rate in the middle overs.

Devon Conway’s Batting in IPL 2025

For instance, Conway produced his best knock of 69 off 49 against the Punjab Kings (PBKS)before getting retired out due to a low strike rate. Soon, he was dropped from the side and made a comeback later in the season. The southpaw scored 156 runs in six innings at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 131.09. Devon Conway will likely be among CSK’s released players list, with his teammate Rachin Ravindra retaining his place for another year.

Rahul Tripathi

Role: Top-order batter (India)

Rahul Tripathi impressed with his ball-striking abilities until the 2024 edition, which helped him to find a place in CSK’s 2025 squad. However, Tripathi couldn’t continue his success with the five-time champions.

Rahul Tripathi’s Batting in IPL 2025

The right-hander batted as an opener or at No. 3 and failed to find the fences often, resulting in the side not utilizing the powerplay. He could score only 55 runs in five games at a dismal strike rate of 96.49, and was dropped from the side. Rahul Tripathi is not expected to continue his stint with the Super Kings in the 2026 edition.

Sam Curran

Role: All-rounder (England)

Sam Curran made his CSK comeback in 2025 after playing for them through the 2020-21 seasons. However, he returned with knocks of 4 & 8 in the first two games, which forced the team management to drop him from the XI. Curran made a comeback mid-way and played a stunning 88-run knock off 47 balls against PBKS and gave a strong message to his naysayers.

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Sam Curran’s Batting in IPL 2025

However, his five-run knock against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru proved to be his last appearance for CSK. He then didn’t return to India after IPL 2025 resumed post a temporary break. He scored 114 runs and took a solitary wicket in five appearances. Despite Sam Curran impressing in the Hundred 2025 and making his international comeback, he could be part of the CSK released players list. According to rumors, the franchise could target Cameron Green in the 2026 auction, as they look to find a potent batting all-rounder.

Deepak Hooda

Role: Middle-order batter (India)

Deepak Hooda’s finest performance in IPL came in the 2022 season for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he scored 451 runs at an average of over 30. However, due to two disappointing seasons, he was released from the squad and was picked up by CSK in the 2025 auction.

Deepak Hooda’s Batting in IPL 2025

Hooda proved to be the most underperforming batter for the Super Kings, as he accumulated only 31 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 75.60. He could neither get a good start nor play a cameo to push the team’s run rate in the middle overs. Hence, Deepak Hooda is guaranteed to find a place among the 2026 CSK released players.

Vijay Shankar

Role: Middle-order batter (India)

Vijay Shankar had a fine season with the Gujarat Titans in 2023, where he scored over 300 runs. However, his subpar performance in 2024 resulted in him not finding retention from the Titans. Then, Shankar found a place in the CSK squad and was allowed to be the glue to the batting order, as they hoped to post/chase big totals on the board. However, the right-hander could not get a hang of the run-rate on most occasions, which hurt CSK’s chances to dominate the opposition in the middle overs.

Vijay Shankar’s Batting in IPL 2025

Although Shankar scored 118 runs in five innings at an average of 39.33, he held a strike rate of 129.67. For example, he remained unbeaten on 69 off 54 in a game against Delhi Capitals, which saw the Super Kings lose by 25 runs. With low batting strike rates and not contributing with the ball in the IPL since 2023, Vijay Shankar is another candidate who will likely have a presence in the 2026 CSK released players list.