Dhoni, Fleming, and Ruturaj to Decide CSK’s Retentions; Srinivasan Back at the Helm

Chennai Super Kings are yet to finalise their list of retained players for the 2026 IPL. The topic hasn’t even been discussed internally so far. A meeting between head coach Stephen Fleming, former captain MS Dhoni, and current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will decide the final list. For now, the franchise is waiting for the IPL to announce the deadline for submitting the list of retained players before the mini-auction.

A CSK official dismissed the rumours that the five-time champions are planning to release Devon Conway and Sam Curran. Recently, reports claimed that CSK might let go of Conway, Curran, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, and Vijay Shankar as part of a squad overhaul, but the official said those claims are not true.

“See, we haven’t discussed it in-house yet. MS has just returned from the US. Fleming is in New Zealand, and the IPL hasn’t even given the date as regards the submission of the list of the retained players. Fleming, MS and Ruturaj will have a meeting to draw up the list. Then it will be taken to Mr Srinivasan for his approval,” the official told RevSportz.

Srinivasan Returns as CSK Chairman, Overseas Option Likely for Spin Role

Former BCCI and ICC chief N Srinivasan is back as the CSK chairman and will take the final call on all cricket matters. The team will keep the same coaching staff, as Srinivasan prefers stability and doesn’t believe in making frequent changes.

“There are a few left-arm spinners, but off-spinners are in short supply. We did our scouting at the TNPL and the junior level, there are a few who bowl off-spin, but getting that quality is very difficult. And in a mini-auction, it’s very unlikely that you will get top quality. Franchises will hardly release the top Indian players,” he said.

CSK may need to look for an overseas player to fill the gap, but the final call will be made by the coach, former captain, and current skipper.

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