CSK 2026 Retention List

CSK 2026 Retention List: Dhoni Stays, Jadeja Released

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Chennai Super Kings have officially revealed their IPL 2026 retention list, confirming that MS Dhoni will continue for one more season, putting an end to speculation around his future. The announcement on November 15 also marked some major exits, including star pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who has been released ahead of the auction.

One of the biggest highlights of the day was CSK’s blockbuster move to trade in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals for a record-breaking ₹18 crore—the highest trade fee in IPL history. This monumental signing has also sparked discussions about the captaincy, with questions arising whether Ruturaj Gaikwad will reclaim the leadership role or if the franchise will consider a new direction.

The franchise also took a bold step by parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja, one of their most iconic all-rounders. Jadeja, along with English all-rounder Sam Curran, has been traded to the Rajasthan Royals, signaling a major rebuilding phase for CSK.

Adding to the reshuffle, CSK released two New Zealand players—Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, both of whom were significant picks in recent seasons. Pathirana’s release also frees up ₹13 crore in their purse, providing the team with additional flexibility ahead of the 2026 mega auction.

During the last major auction cycle, CSK had invested heavily in retaining key players—₹18 crore each for Gaikwad and Jadeja, and ₹13 crore for Pathirana. For the upcoming season, the team continues to back core names such as Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, and MS Dhoni.

CSK IPL 2026 Retained Players

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)

  • MS Dhoni

  • Ayush Mhatre

  • Dewald Brevis

  • Urvil Patel

  • Sanju Samson (Traded In)

  • Shivam Dube

  • Jamie Overton

  • Ramakrishna Ghosh

  • Noor Ahmad

  • Khaleel Ahmed

  • Anshul Kamboj

  • Gurjapneet Singh

  • Nathan Ellis

  • Shreyas Gopal

  • Mukesh Chouhdary

Players Released by CSK

  • Ravindra Jadeja (Traded to Rajasthan Royals)

  • Rachin Ravindra

  • Devon Conway

  • Matheesha Pathirana

  • Sam Curran (Traded to Rajasthan Royals)

  • Andre Siddarth

  • Deepak Hooda

  • Rahul Tripathi

  • Shaikh Rasheed

  • Vijay Shankar

Squad Status

  • Available Slots: 9

  • Remaining Purse: ₹43.4 crore

With Dhoni retained, a historic trade completed, and several big names released, CSK’s strategy for IPL 2026 clearly points toward a bold transition phase as they prepare for the upcoming mega auction.

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