The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a disappointing IPL 2025 season, finishing at the bottom of the points table with only four wins in the group stage games.

Known for their comeback, CSK needs to make a major rebuild of to squad for the upcoming season.

Several reports suggest that Super Kings is set to release several senior and underperforming players to free up money in the purse for the IPL 2026 auction and make way for fresh talent.

The event takes place in the January-February window ahead of the IPL 2026 tournament, which usually follows the March-May window.

According to IPL 2026 auction rules, there are no restrictions on the number of players who can be released or retained. In addition to the purse remaining from the previous auction and the value of the players they release, teams will have an additional INR 5 crore to spend in the auction.

Listed below are the list to CSK players likely to be released.

• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Deepak Hooda
• Rahul tripthi
• Vijay Shankar
• Rachin ravindra

Ravichandran Ashwin

The off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who joined CSK for INR 9.75 crore picked only 7 wickets in 9 games with an economy of 9.13.

His overall performance didn’t match up the franchise’s expectations. Multiple reports suggest that he is set to part ways with CSK and also step down from his academy role to avoid any conflict of interest.

Rahul tripthi

The middle order batter Rahul Tripathi who managed to amass only 55 runs in 5 innings at an average of 11, has disappointed the side with his low par performance.

He struggled to bat against both pace and spin which made it difficult for him to secure a spot in playing 11. Super Kings are likely to release him aiming to bring in a consistent performer for the upcoming season.

Deepak Hooda

The all-rounder Deepak Hooda had an underwhelming season scoring just 31 runs in 5 innings at a strike rate of 75.61. His inability to do some consistent batting has put the side under pressure during the 2025 season.

The franchise is expected to make a move by releasing him and find a another strong contender.

Vijay Shankar

Joining Chennai Super Kings for a price of INR 1.2 crores, Vijay Shankar has scored 118 runs in 6 gmaes but could not make impact as finisher.

With several young all-rounder available in the auction, CSK will look for exploring options during the auction for the all-rounder. A lack of bit-hitting consisteny in the death over weakened his chances for retention.

Apart from the probable released players list, we have also listed probable CSK retained players ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

• MS Dhoni (if not retired)
• Travel Giikwad
• Ravindra Jadaja
• Shivam Dube
• Matheesha pathirana
• Noor Ahmad
• Dewald Brevis
• Ayush mhatre
• Anshul kamboj
• Khaleel Ahmed
• Urvil Patel
• Sam Curran
• Nathan Ellis
• Vansh Bedi

According to BCCI guidelines, the mini auction will take place in the January-February Window following the player trade window in December-January.

Although the exact date of the auction is yet to be disclosed, several sources have hinted that the IPL 2026 auction dates will be announced very soon.

This mini auction for IPL 2026 will allow franchises to target their required players for completing their squad after the pre-auction trade window.