The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, once heralded as the sure-shot playoffs team, have experienced a significant decline over the last three years, failing to qualify for the playoffs during that period. IPL 2026 is one such kind of a disappointing season for the Yellow Army, as they finished 8th in the standings with 12 points. The team endured setbacks throughout the season, with several players sidelined due to injuries, while some of their established stars failed to deliver consistent performances.

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— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 25, 2026

Following a not-so-great show by the team, the management is keen to make over ahead of the next season. Let’s analyse the likely CSK released players ahead of IPL 2027.

4 Likely CSK Released Players Ahead of IPL 2027

Prashant Veer

Prashant Veer holds the record for being the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian player in Indian Premier League history, having been purchased for a whopping ₹14.2 crore. However, the 20-year-old southpaw from Uttar Pradesh failed to live up to his hefty price tag, managing just 90 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 134.32.

Prashant Veer’s Batting Stats in IPL 2026

After an underwhelming campaign from the youngster, there is a strong possibility that the CSK management may not be interested in retaining him for another season. Given the current state of the squad, Prashant Veer is likely to be one of the first names on the list of CSK’ released players ahead of IPL 2027.

Matt Short

The CSK management will not only closely assess the performances of their overseas players but also evaluate their price tags, which will help the franchise free up funds ahead of the mini-auction, likely to be held later this year. Matt Short, one of their overseas recruits, was purchased for his base price of ₹1.5 crore at last year’s auction. The 30-year-old Australian featured in only three matches, scoring 60 runs at a strike rate of 117.64, while also failing to pick up a wicket with the ball. Since the management has been unable to provide him with a regular spot in the playing XI, there is a strong possibility that they may not retain him for the next season and will look to find a suitable replacement.

Matt Short’s Batting Stats in IPL 2026

Short, who captains the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, has been unable to replicate his success in the Indian Premier League in the limited opportunities he has received. Following a mediocre IPL 2026 campaign, he is likely to feature on the list of CSK released players ahead of IPL 2027.

Matt Henry

Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, New Zealand pace spearhead Matt Henry was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026 at his base price of ₹2 crore during the mini-auction. However, playing primarily on batting-friendly pitches, Henry was unable to produce his best performances in the lucrative league, managing just two wickets at an expensive economy rate of 13.00.

Matt Henry’s Bowling Stats in IPL 2026

The management had expected more from the Kiwi pacer following his successful campaign for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup held in the subcontinent earlier this year, where he claimed 10 wickets in 8 innings at an economy rate of 8.24. With Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis likely to return next season after recovering from injuries, Henry may struggle to secure a place in the starting line-up. As a result, the franchise may not be inclined to retain him for another season. It would not come as a surprise if Matt Henry’s name features on the list of likely CSK released players ahead of IPL 2027.

Rahul Chahar

Once regarded as India’s next T20 bowling superstar, Rahul Chahar enjoyed the best phase of his career between 2019 and 2022, claiming 55 wickets in 52 matches. However, his performances have declined significantly in recent years, as he has managed just 18 wickets in 25 matches over the following four seasons.

Rahul Chahar’s Bowling Stats in IPL 2026

Chahar has struggled to meet the demands of modern-day T20 cricket, failing to adapt to the evolving nature of the format, which has likely contributed to his downfall. The 26-year-old leg-spinner was given an opportunity by Chennai Super Kings during the early stages of IPL 2026, but he endured a difficult outing against Punjab Kings, conceding 46 runs in his four overs. Following that underwhelming performance, the CSK think tank opted to leave him on the bench for the remainder of the season. The leg-spinner was acquired for ₹5.20 crore in the mini-auction, but given his lack of impact, the management is unlikely to retain him for another season.

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— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 22, 2026

Conclusion

If the CSK management releases Prashant Veer, Matt Short, Matt Henry and Rahul Chahar for the next season, they will get close to ₹ 23 crore, which will help them target better players in the auction.