CSK Might Release These Five Players Before IPL 2026 Auction. Following a disappointing IPL 2025 season in which Chennai Super Kings finished bottom of the league, the franchise is now ready to assess its makeup ahead of the IPL 2026 season. This could involve a process of rejuvenation, and in the pursuit of this process, they might release some underperforming players whom the franchise regards as not fitting with their revised strategy. Here are five players who could be released before the IPL 2026 auction:
1. Devon Conway
Devon Conway had somewhat of a disappointing IPL 2025, only managing over 150 runs in 6 matches. He showed his class with two half-centuries, including a 52-run innings in CSK’s final game against the Gujarat Titans. However, his metronome rate drew scrutiny during the tournament as he could not accelerate enough when needed at various times.
Incredibly, during a match against Punjab Kings, he was retired out even after scoring 69 off 49 balls, as questions were raised about why he could not accelerate adequately in critical moments. Given the need for aggressive top-order players in T20, perhaps CSK will look to release Conway for a more explosive option.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Final: The Unsung Heroes Behind RCB’s Maiden Title – Beyond Kohli’s Slow Knock
2. Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar’s time with the CSK in IPL 2025 was subpar, with just over 100 runs in 6 matches. He struggled to score runs, even getting a 0 versus the Mumbai Indians. Another issue was his slow partnership with MS Dhoni against the Delhi Capitals while they were in pursuit of runs, which was viewed unfavorably as it did not produce momentum. Overall, because of his poor performances, CSK will be looking to invest in younger and more effective all-rounders.
3. Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda showed poor performance across the IPL 2025 season. In the previous 10 matches to this point, he scored just 31 runs with a high of 22 versus Sunrisers Hyderabad. Now, because of a performance like this, CSK will be looking forward to a better middle-order batter before the IPL 2026 season.
4. Rahul Tripathi
CSK spent ₹3.40 crore in the auction to acquire Rahul Tripathi for IPL 2025, only for him to underperform by scoring 55 runs in 5 matches. In his last match, Tripathi managed only 9 runs off 10 balls versus Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He did make a fantastic catch against LSG, but faulty batting is the real concern. CSK will look to be apart from Tripathi in their search for stronger, more consistent, and reliable performances from the top order in IPL 2026.
Also Read: Mumbai Indians Might Release These Five Players Before IPL 2026 Auction
5. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin’s comeback to CSK for IPL 2025 did not go as it was supposed to go. The seasoned spinner managed just seven wickets in nine matches, and an economy rate of above 9. His performances have been scrutinized, and he was dropped from the last match of the season. Given his age and poor performance, CSK may elect to move on and let someone new fill the off-spinner role for their bowling group before IPL 2026.
