CSK Released Players 2026: Five Players Likely to Be Dropped

Chennai Super Kings have had a tough time in IPL 2025. They are at the bottom of the points table and have been knocked out of the playoff race. This is the first time in IPL history that CSK haven’t made it to the top four for two seasons. The five-time champions will be eager to bounce back next season, and with MS Dhoni still leading the side, they’ll likely look to make some key changes in the squad to turn things around.

Chennai Super Kings List of players that the team might release for IPL 2026: 

5. Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar is one of those players who hasn’t had a great IPL season so far. Despite his poor performances, the CSK management put their trust in him to bat during the middle overs. He didn’t get to play initially, but when he did, he failed to deliver as a saviour for the team. Shankar has played five innings and scored just one half-century. Even though he scored 118 runs at an average of 39.33, it wasn’t an impactful season for him.

4. Devon Conway

New Zealand international Devon Conway had a terrific season with CSK in 2023. He smashed 672 runs in 16 matches and played a vital part in Chennai winning the trophy. The 33-year-old was retained for the 2024 season, but due to an injury, he couldn’t feature. Nevertheless, Chennai once again put their trust in him, buying him for INR 6.25 crore. However, he failed to do justice this season, scoring 104 runs in five matches before getting dropped.

3. Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda made 31 runs in six matches in the ongoing IPL 2025. The 30-year-old was bought for INR 1.70 and featured in the playing XI right away, but he didn’t offer much, leading to the team management dropping him. The trio of Vijay Shankar, Tripathi, and Hooda flopped extremely, and that is arguably the biggest reason behind CSK’s downfall this year.

2. Ravichandran Ashwin

There were plenty of expectations from Ravichandran Ashwin this season. However, the veteran managed to clinch seven wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 9.29. The team management put their faith in Noor Ahmad and Ravindra Jadeja, which forced them to drop Ashwin from the playing XI. He was bought for INR 9.75 crore, and releasing him can help CSK save big money for better players next season. 

1. Rahul Tripathi

The Super Kings made another blunder at the auction table by purchasing Rahul Tripathi for this season. He opened the innings alongside Rachin Ravindra in the first few matches before being dropped. However, the management brought him back again to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad at the No. 3 position, which didn’t work at all.

The player has scored just 55 runs in five matches, at an average of 11. For a top-order batter, these stats are extremely disappointing. The management should look for a better opener or No. 3 batter, preferably a youngster who can provide strong starts in the power plays.

ALSO READ: KKR CEO Venky Mysore Criticizes IPL’s Late Rule Change as ‘Inconsistent’ and Unfair Following Team’s Playoff Elimination