IPL 2026: 3 Players CSK should release ahead of mini-auction

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the points table. Out of 14 matches, they won only four, ending the season with eight points. After regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an elbow injury midway through the tournament, MS Dhoni took over the leadership. 

However, even under his captaincy, the team could not turn things around as several players underperformed, which ultimately hurt their campaign. Now ahead of the 2026 season, the mini-auction is most likely to happen in Abu Dhabi in mid-December 2025 and CSK are most likely to take some harsh call to get strengthened for the new season. 

Here are three CSK players who could be released ahead of the mini-auction

1. Devon Conway

The experienced New Zealand batter has been going through a tough phase in recent years, both in the IPL and international cricket. Once a regular member of New Zealand’s playing XI, his spot has now become uncertain. In IPL 2025, Conway played six matches and scored 156 runs, including two fifties, with an average of 26.00 and a strike rate of 131.09.

He also acted as a backup wicketkeeper for the side. However, his inconsistent form might make CSK think about releasing him before the 2026 season and finding a more reliable top-order batter who can perform more consistently.

2. Deepak Hooda

The Indian all-rounder had a poor IPL 2025 season with CSK. When the franchise trusted him, many fans had doubts — and sadly, those concerns turned out to be true.

In five innings, Hooda scored only 31 runs. With the ball, he bowled just one over, conceding 15 runs without taking any wickets. Later in the season, he was dropped from the playing XI. As a result, Hooda seems almost certain to be released before the next season.

3. Rahul Tripathi

Known for his aggressive batting and sharp fielding, Rahul Tripathi could not make an impact for CSK in IPL 2025. He scored just 55 runs in five matches, and his repeated failures at the top order were one of the main reasons behind CSK’s batting struggles. Heading into IPL 2026, the franchise may look to release him and bring in a more aggressive and in-form Indian batter.

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