The build-up to IPL 2026 has already begun, and one of the biggest headlines comes from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp. According to a report from Cricbuzz, the franchise is likely to part ways with five key players, including two overseas stars — Sam Curran and Devon Conway — and three Indian names — Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, and Rahul Tripathi.
This move comes ahead of the mini auction, expected to be held in mid-December 2025, with November 15 being the final date for teams to submit their retained and released player lists to the BCCI.
The decision is said to be based on player performance during the IPL 2025 season, where CSK endured one of their worst campaigns, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 matches.
All three Indian players struggled for form — Hooda managed only 31 runs in seven matches, Shankar scored 118 in six, and Tripathi could add just 55 runs in five innings. Their collective failure in the middle order hurt CSK’s balance and consistency throughout the season.
Surprising Names in the List
The inclusion of Sam Curran, one of the world’s leading T20 all-rounders, has raised eyebrows. Despite his international stature, his performances in the previous season were below expectations. Similarly, Devon Conway, who was a regular at the top order, had an inconsistent year, which may have prompted the management to explore fresh options.
Alos see: IPL 2026 Auction: Mini Auction Likely on December 15, Retention Deadline Set for November 15
Dhoni Future Still Unclear
While the release list makes headlines, all eyes remain on MS Dhoni’s future. The franchise has clarified that the decision to continue or retire will rest entirely with the former CSK skipper. Speculations suggest Dhoni might return for one final season, but no official confirmation has been made.
What Lies Ahead for CSK
With the release of these players, CSK is expected to free up significant purse space, especially after Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, which saved the team nearly ₹9.75 crore. This could allow them to rebuild and bring in new talent for IPL 2026.
The CSK 2026 Release Player List marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise, as they look to bounce back stronger after a disappointing 2025 campaign and aim to reclaim their glory in the upcoming season.
