3 Surprise Retentions CSK Might Make For IPL 2026 Despite A Failed Season

Abhinav Tyagi

MS Dhoni and Jaddu for CSK - (Source :AFP)MS Dhoni and Jaddu for CSK - (Source :AFP)

All ten teams have started preparing for IPL 2026. At present, the franchises are busy sorting out players to target during the ongoing trade window. 

Besides the trades, the teams need to focus on their squad and finalise the retention list as the mini-auction isn't far away and will take place in December 2025. 

Teams that failed to finish in the top four are expected to release most players to rebuild the squad. Talking about Chennai Super Kings, the Men in Yellow finished 10th on the table, their worst-ever season in the history of the league. 

Looking at the squad, it is clear which player is likely to be retained and released, and the same is expected from the management. However, there can be a few surprise retentions, and this article will shed light on them. 

1. Rachin Ravindra

Why Rachin Ravindra Deserves To Be Released

CSK have invested and trusted in Rachin Ravindra in the last few years, but the southpaw has failed to repay the faith shown in him. However, talking about Ravindra's performance in the last two seasons, he has amassed just 413 runs in 18 innings, averaging just 25.

Another massive issue for Chennai is that Ravindra has failed to provide the start that other teams are succeeding in. Ravindra's strike-rate was 128 in IPL 2025, which resulted in underutilisation of the powerplay, a root cause issue behind Men in Yellow's underwhelming performance.

Why Should CSK Retain Ravindra? 

Following the IPL, Ravindra featured in the Zimbabwe Tri-Series, involving South Africa, where the 25-year-old bounced back to form and scored 143 runs in 4 innings, averaging 35.75.

Ravindra also worked on his acceleration as he batted with a 158.59 strike rate.

Criteria
IPL 2025
Post IPL 2025
T20 Matches84
Runs
191143
Averages27.2935.75
Strike-Rate128.19158.89
50/1001/01/0

2. Vijay Shankar

Why Shankar Deserves To Be Released

Vijay Shankar is one of the names that the fans want to be ousted for CSK's set-up. Shankar scored just 118 runs in five innings, averaging 39.33. During IPL, Shankar only had two good knocks; the rest were just single-digit scores.

Thus, more than the strike-rate, consistency has been a big issue for the 34-year-old, which gave the narrative that the right-handed batter was a total failure during IPL. 

Why Should CSK  Retain Vijay Shankar?

However, post IPL, Vijay Shankar worked on his consistency and during TNPL 2025, he amassed 251 runs in nine innings, averaging 50.20. Not only did Shankar's average go up, but he clocked just two failures in nine innings despite striking the ball at 153.99.

Criteria
IPL 2025
Post IPL 2025
T20 Matches5
9
Runs
118251
Averages39.33
50.20
Strike-Rate129.67153.99
50/1001/01/0

3. R Ashwin

Why Ashwin Deserves To Be Released

The R Ashwin situation is a bit tricky as the right-arm spinner, who was bought in for a whopping amount of money, expressed his desire to be traded or leave the club ahead of the upcoming season.

However, the latest report added that Ashwin has asked the franchise about their stance on his future, as the right-arm spinner only managed to pick 7 wickets in nine innings. 

Why Should CSK Retain R Ashwin?

The reason why CSK might retain Ashwin is to respect the long-term association with the spinner. Further, Anna has worked on his batting and amassed 297 runs in Tamil Nadu Premier League, which could prompt the Super Kings to utilise the 36-year-old differently.