They wore yellow. They roared. But this time, the whistle didn’t blow to the top. The 2025 season was a mixed bag for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The campaign ended in disappointment as CSK finished last in the league table, a rare low for the franchise that has long been known for its consistency. However, even in a season marked by setbacks, several individual performances provided a silver lining.
Some players delivered under pressure, showed fight, and kept the team’s spirit alive. Their consistent efforts have now sparked important conversations about the 2026 CSK retained list. With fresh auctions and team restructuring on the horizon, picking the right core will be crucial. Among the few bright spots in CSK’s gloomy campaign, some names have emerged as the 2025 CSK best players. These players didn’t just perform; they gave fans reason to believe that better days are ahead. Let’s check out four standout performers who’ve made a strong case to be part of CSK’s core squad for the 2026 season.
2025 CSK Best Players：Retention Favourites for 2026
1. Dewald Brevis – A Powerhouse in Yellow
Brevis had a breakout season for CSK. Despite playing only six matches, he made a huge impact. With 225 runs at a stunning strike rate of 180.00, Brevis turned games around. He smashed 13 fours and 17 sixes. His fearless batting in the middle order gave CSK the firepower they needed during crunch moments.
The ball knew just one way… out of the ground 🚀
Dewald Brevis lit up Ahmedabad with a fiery 57 off 23 💛
Updates ▶ https://t.co/P6Px72jm7j#TATAIPL | #GTvCSK | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/hcqzO6WSmJ
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 25, 2025
Brevis averaged 37.5 in IPL 2025. He was among the top contributors for CSK in limited chances. His style of play excited fans and stood out in a tough season. It’s no surprise he features at the top when discussing the 2025 CSK best players.
Bringing a whole lot of Protea Firepower! 💪🏻#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/9seFMWU1fI
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 18, 2025
Heading into 2026, CSK will be looking to invest in youth. Brevis is aggressive, consistent, and fits their brand. He’s also someone who can anchor an innings or accelerate when needed. There’s little doubt he’ll be a part of the 2026 CSK retained list. His growth could be key to CSK’s plans, both as a player and a potential long-term middle-order mainstay.
2. Ayush Mhatre – The Surprise Package
Ayush Mhatre wasn’t even in the squad initially. He went unsold in the 2025 mega auction. But after Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured, CSK brought Mhatre in as a replacement. What followed was a dream debut season. In seven matches, Mhatre scored 240 runs at an average of 34.28. His highest score, a blistering 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, put him on the national radar. That knock also made him the third-youngest player to score a fifty in IPL history.
The journey begins, Ayush! 💪🏻#RCBvCSK #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/iBMFbhBYUU
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 4, 2025
With 31 fours and 11 sixes, Mhatre played with maturity beyond his age. He was later named captain of India’s U19 squad. For CSK, he’s now viewed as a long-term investment. Mhatre’s story adds depth to the list of 2025 CSK best players. With youth and potential on his side, he could very well be a part of the 2026 CSK retained list. Few players made a stronger case in such a short time.
3. Shivam Dube – The Dependable Middle Order Batter
Shivam Dube has become one of CSK’s most reliable names in recent seasons. In 2025, he continued that form. He played all 14 matches, scoring 357 runs with a strike rate of 132.22. Dube hit 22 fours and 21 sixes, a clear sign of his role as a finisher.
The opening and the finishing anchors! 🦁🙌#LSGvCSK #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/ePvMH8Q7p0
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 14, 2025
He averaged 32.45, often walking in during pressure situations. Whether setting up totals or chasing, Dube remained calm and aggressive. That balance makes him one of the 2025 CSK best players. He often held the innings together when others faltered, showing leadership with the bat. Dube’s value extends beyond just numbers. He brings stability and experience. His presence in the dugout and on the field lifts the team. CSK is unlikely to let go of such a key figure. Expect to see him in the 2026 CSK retained list, especially as MS Dhoni’s future remains uncertain. His presence might be even more important if CSK enters a transition phase.
4. Noor Ahmad – The Go-To Spinner
CSK relied heavily on Noor Ahmad this season. The left-arm wrist spinner delivered. In 14 matches, he picked up 24 wickets, the most for CSK in 2025. His economy rate of 8.16 and average of 17.00 underline his quality. Noor didn’t just take wickets, he broke partnerships. Whether in the powerplay or at the death, he remained effective. For a young overseas spinner to carry that burden speaks volumes. He bowled with confidence and control, often turning the game back in CSK’s favour.
5⃣4⃣% Dots
NOOR % Roar! #LSGvCSK #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/oe4fg2QQzo— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 16, 2025
He’s undoubtedly one of the 2025 CSK best players. His consistency, especially on flat tracks, sets him apart. With spin being such a core part of CSK’s strategy, Noor’s retention seems certain. He should be a guaranteed name in the 2026 CSK retained list, forming the backbone of their bowling attack moving forward.
Final Word
CSK may not have clinched the title in 2025, but these four players, Brevis, Mhatre, Dube, and Noor, gave fans plenty of hope. Each had its unique impact, and together they formed the core of the team’s effort. As CSK looks ahead to 2026, building around such names seems logical. The 2026 CSK retained list will likely begin with them. They’ve not only performed but also shown traits that align with CSK’s legacy: calm under pressure, flair, and hunger.
The road ends here for us this season. But your yellove is forever. 🥹💛
Thank you Superfans for walking this journey with us through every cheer, every roar, every heartbreak.
We’ll come back stronger next year. Until then, #WhistlePodu 💛🦁#AllYouNeedIsYellove pic.twitter.com/zurZDOVwy1— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 25, 2025
Fans often talk about legacy and transition in the same breath when it comes to CSK. The performances of these players show that the franchise is well-placed for the next phase. The 2025 CSK best players could well be the foundation for Chennai’s next title run.
