CSK IPL 2026 retention list: 5 players who should be released

CSK players who should be released [Source: AFP Photo]

The buzz for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has already started despite the league still being far away. The mini auction before the next season will commence in December, and all ten sides will have to submit their retention list by November 2025. The retention window is crucial for all sides, but the Chennai Super Kings will especially keep their eyes on it.

They finished last in the points tally during the IPL 2025 season, and they’ll be aiming to overhaul their squad before the next season. With the retention list to be released next month, we take a look at five players, the former IPL champions, CSK, could potentially release.

1) Rahul Tripathi

For some reason, CSK spent a hefty amount to bring in Rahul Tripathi in their squad, but the move failed instantly as the batter was dropped midway through the tournament. He struggled for runs and often failed to give a quick-fire start and which brought pressure on the other batters.

(Tripathi in IPL 2025)

• He played just five matches and scored only 55 runs, with a strike rate of less than 100. Tripathi was given a longer rope, but he failed and the batter was dropped from the squad as the likes of Ayush Mhatre, and Urvil Patel took the opening slot.
• Hence by releasing him, CSK could invest the money on buying a solid middle order batter for the next few years.

2) Deepak Hooda

Just like Tripathi, CSK made a fumble when they bought Deepak Hooda in their squad. The batter never had a decent IPL campaign as the team took a punt by buying him. The batter had numbers even worse than Tripathi, and the stats tell the story.

(Deepak Hooda in IPL 2025)

• For some reason, CSK persisted with him for seven games, and he only churned out 31 runs in seven matches. The batter averaged a mere 6.20, and the strike rate languished in the 70s. CSK have plethora of batters to replace him in the long run, and ahead of the retention day, the franchise should aim to release him.

3) Jamie Overton

The English all-rounder was bought with a lot of hope, but in just three games, CSK realised their mistake as Overton went for plenty of runs. He was touted to be the Sam Curran replacement, but that didn’t happen, as Overton conceded 83 runs in three matches, with an economy of 13.83.

Hence, if CSK release him, the franchise could invest the money in a better all-rounder, someone who can take wickets.

4) Vijay Shankar

The signing of Vijay Shankar was not as bad as Tripathi, and Hooda, but he never quite lived up to the hype and had a decent IPL 2025 strike rate.

(Shankar stats in IPL 2025)

• 118 runs in six matches with a strike rate of 129 defined Shankar’s 2025 campaign. His main issue was the inability to score quick runs, and that hampered CSK’s campaign. By releasing him, CSK would free 1.2 crore, and they could buy a hard-hitting batter for the same position.

5) Devon Conway

Devon Conway was CSK’s main star during their title campaign in 2023. He formed a brilliant opening partnership alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, but in the 2025 season, everything went downhill. In six matches, he amassed 156 runs with a strike rate of just 131.

The southpaw also had injury issues that hampered his 2024 campaign. Interestingly, CSK have backed Rachin Ravindra over Conway in the last IPL season, and when the retention day arrives, the franchise is likely to release the opening batter.

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