The much-anticipated IPL 2026 CSK retention list has been released, revealing several big names missing from the Yellow-Army. The list of retained players was made public on the retention deadline – November 15th. The management has made a tough decision to let go of some of their big names, including the franchise’s celebrated all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, who has been traded to the Rajasthan Royals along with England’s Sam Curran. On the brighter note, in return, they got Sanju Samson, as they were looking for an Indian top-order batter. Looking at the overall squad, the franchise has retained 15 Players and released 12.

CSK Retention and Release for IPL 2026

The CSK franchise has made a decisive move away from its philosophy of retaining ageing core players. The recent release of Ravindra Jadeja was a fine example, who didn’t cut into the 2026 CSK retention list. If we dig deeper, we can find several reasons for this massive move. The recent dip in the side’s overall form, and the management’s desire to take the side forward in the next 2-3 seasons, led to this move. Getting in Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals is one of the biggest trade deals in IPL history.

2026, Here we come!🦁
#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/4GNLNTuMCd

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 15, 2025

If we look at the 2026 CSK retained players list, 3 of them, who joined the side as replacement players, were retained by the franchise following their impressive show. Ayush Mhatre, who came into the side in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad, finished as the 3rd leading run-scorer for the side with a tally of 240 runs across 7 matches. Dewald Brevis, the replacement for Gurjapneet Singh, made a place for himself with astounding batting, collecting 225 runs in 6 innings at a strike rate of 180. Urvil Patel, who joined the side at the back end of the tournament for injured Vansh Bedi, put on 68 runs in 3 innings at a strike rate of 212.5.

The battalions are battle-ready! 💪🔥#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/1So9j8kfem

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 15, 2025

The batting seems sorted with high-profile names such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and legendary MS Dhoni all secured their names in the 2026 CSK Retention List. Afghan mystery spinner, Noor Ahmad, their most successful bowler, who is an obvious pick after claiming 24 wickets in IPL 2025. Indian left-arm seamer, Khaleel Ahmed, their regular starter, is the other notable inclusion in the list of the 2026 CSK Retained Players.Aussie T20 specialist, Nathan Ellis, has been retained despite surprisingly featuring in only one game last season. Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, and Mukesh Choudhary are the other bowlers in the mix.

Cherishing the moments now and forever!
Yours lovingly 💛#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/W73NQWgNBt

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 15, 2025

The franchise wasn’t shy of releasing talented players such as Rahul Tripathi, Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, and Rachin Ravindra.

2026 CSK Retention Players List: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Sanju Samson (T)

2026 CSK Released Players List: Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, C Andre Siddarth, Devon Conway, Ravindra Jadeja (T), Sam Curran (T), Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Matheesha Pathirana, Rachin Ravindra.

Surprising Release from CSK

After seeing the 2026 CSK retained players list, the cricketing world was left in shock, as the franchise didn’t retain their most valuable young asset, Sri Lankan yorker specialist Matheesha Pathirana. He was one among the five players whom the CSK management retained for the IPL 2025 for a price of ₹13 Crore. The franchise’s decision makes sense as the 22-year-old had a modest IPL 2025, picking up 13 wickets in 12 matches at an expensive economy of 10.13.

Surprising Names Among 2026 CSK Retained Players

Shreyas Gopal

The 32-year-old Karnataka spinning all-rounder was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2025 season at ₹30 Lakh. With plenty of talent in the squad, Shreyas Gopal didn’t get a game for the franchise and was benched for the whole season. Now that the 2026 CSK Retention List is out, he found his name there, which surprised many. What tempted the management to retain him for the IPL 2026? We have got the reason for that: Shreyas Gopal is in dream nick across departments in the ongoing Ranji Trophy for his State, picking up 20 wickets and scoring 290 runs in the first 5 matches.

Mukesh Choudhary

Mukesh Choudhary managed to pick up a wicket in the 2 matches he featured for CSK in IPL 2025. The main reason behind his retention is that he is the backup option for Khaleel Ahmed, as they are both left-arm seam bowlers. His price cap of ₹30 Lakh is not that big, which could also be a possible reason for his retention.

2 Players CSK Might Target in IPL 2026 Auction

After the announcement of the 2026 CSK retention list, the franchise is left with ₹43.4 Crore. It’s the second highest budget (1st is KKR) among all teams. Let’s see which players should Super Kings target next month?

#1 Andre Russell

Andre Russell has been released by the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the mini-auction. He brings a lot of firepower with the bat, and also, his seam-ups will attract significant interest from the other franchises. CSK are looking to strengthen their middle order with an overseas pick, so Russell will fit the role perfectly.

#2 Maheesh Theekshana

After a mediocre show in the IPL 2025, Maheesh Theekshana was released by the Rajasthan Royals. He might likely return to his first franchise, as he represented CSK in 3 seasons from 2022 to 2024. Given the slow wickets in Chepauk, his inclusion in the setup strengthens the spin department further. With a modest purse of INR 43.4 crores, CSK will go all guns blazing in the forthcoming IPL auction to strengthen their squad.