IPL 2026: 5 CSK Players who might be released ahead of mini auction

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a forgettable IPL 2025 as they finished at the bottom of the table. In 14 games, they managed to win only four, ending the season with eight points. After regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an elbow injury midway through the tournament, MS Dhoni took over the captaincy. But even his leadership could not turn things around, as several players failed to perform to their potential, which ultimately cost the team.  

Here are the 5 CSK Players who might be released ahead of the mini auction 

1. Devon Conway

This experienced Kiwi batter has been struggling in recent years, not only in the IPL but also across formats at the international level. Once a regular in New Zealand’s playing XI, his place has now become uncertain. In the 2025 IPL season, Conway played six games, scoring 156 runs with two fifties, averaging 26.00 and striking at 131.09. 

He also served as a backup wicketkeeping option. However, his lack of consistency might make CSK consider releasing him ahead of the 2026 season and bringing in a new, more reliable top-order batter who can deliver with greater consistency. 

2. Deepak Hooda

This Indian all-rounder had a horrible IPL 2025 with CSK. When the franchise showed faith in him, many fans were wondering, and unfortunately, their concerns came true with the kind of performances Deepak Hooda delivered. 

In five innings, he managed to score only 31 runs. With the ball, he bowled just one over, conceding 15 runs without taking a wicket. In the later stages of the tournament, he also lost his place in the playing XI. Therefore, Hooda looks like a guaranteed name to be released ahead of the next season.

3. Jamie Overton

Overton is generally known as a pace-bowling all-rounder who can smack the ball down the order in the death overs. However, the English all-rounder played only three matches and conceded 83 runs without taking a single wicket in six overs, at an economy of 13.83. 

With the bat, he scored only 15 runs in two innings. After such horrific performances, CSK did not try him again, and now, ahead of the next season, the franchise is most likely to release him and look for a better overseas all-round option. 

4. Rahul Tripathi

This Indian batter is known for his innovative shots and energetic fielding. But in the 2025 season for CSK, Tripathi failed to deliver. With the bat, he scored only 55 runs in five games. His consistent failures at the top were one of the reasons why CSK’s batting unit struggled throughout the season. Therefore, going into the 2026 season, CSK might release him and look for a more aggressive and in-form Indian talent. 

5. SK Rasheed

20-year-old Shaik Rasheed looked good with his stroke play and timing. But his problem turned out to be the inability to convert starts, along with a low strike rate. While opening the innings, he scored only 71 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 112.69. 

On the other hand, CSK discovered some outstanding young talents last season, like Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel. Hence, considering that, Rasheed might get released as CSK could look for a much more aggressive option going forward.

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