Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for a significant overhaul ahead of the IPL 2026 season, marked by strategic player releases and a high-profile trade. After a disappointing 2025 season where they finished at the bottom of the table, the five-time champions are aiming to rebuild their squad and return to their winning ways.
Key Releases and Rationale
CSK has released a total of 11 players, signaling a major squad reset. Among the notable departures are Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Conway, who had been a key figure since 2022, scoring 1,080 runs in 28 innings, including a strong 2023 season that helped CSK secure their fifth title, was released as part of the team's revamp. Rachin Ravindra, who joined in 2024, made 413 runs across two seasons but struggled for consistency. Other released players include Matheesha Pathirana, whose release follows two injury-affected seasons and a dip in form, and Vijay Shankar. CSK has also moved on from middle-order options who struggled to impress in IPL 2025. By releasing these players, CSK has freed up a substantial purse of ₹43.4 crore for the upcoming auction, providing them with the financial flexibility to chase high-impact players.
Blockbuster Trade: Samson Arrives, Jadeja Departs
In a significant trade move, CSK has acquired Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Samson will play for CSK at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore. Jadeja's fee has been revised to Rs 14 crore, while Curran moves at Rs 2.4 crore. CSK's Managing Director, KS Viswanathan, acknowledged that trading Jadeja, an integral part of the franchise for over a decade, was one of the toughest decisions the team has taken. However, the team management felt the need for a top-order Indian batsman, and with limited options available at the auction, they opted for the trade.
Sanju Samson brings a wealth of experience to CSK, having scored over 4,500 runs in his IPL career. He has been a part of the IPL for over a decade and has also led Rajasthan Royals in five IPL seasons, including leading them to the final in 2022. Samson has expressed his excitement about joining CSK and playing alongside MS Dhoni. He stated his eagerness to play under Dhoni's captaincy and support him in any way possible.
Retained Players and Leadership
Despite the significant changes, CSK has retained a core group of players. The retained list includes MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis and some others. Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue to lead the team in IPL 2026, ending speculation about a potential change in leadership following the acquisition of Sanju Samson. CSK has backed Gaikwad to lead the team to success in 2026 with better players around him and MS Dhoni's guidance.
Looking Ahead
With a substantial purse available for the auction, CSK will be looking to address major gaps in their squad, particularly in the pace department and middle-order depth. The franchise appears focused on building a balanced squad capable of producing a strong comeback in IPL 2026. The combination of experienced players like MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson, along with retained young talents and potential new additions from the auction, could see CSK back in contention for the title.
