CSK IPL 2026 Auction Purse: Expected Budget & Player Retention Plans
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for a big rebuild after finishing at the bottom of the IPL 2025 table. The squad put together at the mega auction had too many gaps, which hurt their season. According to reports, MS Dhoni, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the team owners recently sat down in Chennai to discuss the way forward.
Even though the team brought in youngsters like Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis midway through the season, they still ended up having their worst campaign. Now, the franchise is likely to release some of its senior players to free up money for the auction, so they can target younger match-winners, according to TOI.
Chennai Super Kings Purse Details
| Team | Purse Spent | Purse Left | Players Bought | Overseas Buys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSK (Chennai Super Kings) | 119.95 Cr | 0.05 Cr | 25 / 25 | 7 / 8 |
CSK Likely Retained Players 2026
MS Dhoni (if not retired), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Noor Ahmad, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Vansh Bedi, Vijay Shankar, Ramakrishna Ghosh
CSK Likely Released Players 2026
Ravichandran Ashwin, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Shreyas Gopal, Shaik Rasheed, C Andre Siddarth, Kamlesh Nagarkoti
CSK: Potential Targets
| Player | Role | Why CSK Might Want Him |
|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson (trade) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Leader, experienced, Dhoni successor |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder | Power-hitting, seam bowling, flexibility |
| Donovan Ferreira | WK-Batter/All-rounder | Finisher, keeper, off-spin option |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler | Young Indian leg-spinner, good for Chepauk |
CSK Auction Strategy for 2026
This would give CSK an extra Rs 34.45 crore, and they might also have around Rs 40 crore for the mini auction. That gives them a good chance to go after players like Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who made a strong comeback against the West Indies, or an attacking opener like Ben Duckett, who can take charge at the top while captain Ruturaj Gaikwad anchors the other end.
The team, which has struggled with firepower in the top and middle order, will be looking to strengthen three key areas: a big hitter at the top, a strong Indian batter in the middle, and quality fast bowlers.
Chennai Super Kings: Sold Price in IPL 2025
| Player | Type | Sold |
|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | AR | 18.00 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | BAT | 18.00 |
| Matheesha Pathirana | BOWL | 13.00 |
| Shivam Dube | AR | 12.00 |
| Noor Ahmad | BOWL | 10.00 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | AR | 9.75 |
| Devon Conway | BAT | 6.25 |
| Khaleel Ahmed | BOWL | 4.80 |
| Rachin Ravindra | AR | 4.00 |
| MS Dhoni | BAT | 4.00 |
| Rahul Tripathi | BAT | 3.40 |
| Anshul Kamboj | AR | 3.40 |
| Sam Curran | AR | 2.40 |
| Gurjapneet Singh | BOWL | 2.20 |
| Nathan Ellis | BOWL | 2.00 |
| Deepak Hooda | AR | 1.70 |
| Jamie Overton | AR | 1.50 |
| Vijay Shankar | AR | 1.20 |
| Vansh Bedi | BAT | 0.55 |
| Shreyas Gopal | BOWL | 0.30 |
| C Andre Siddarth | BAT | 0.30 |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | AR | 0.30 |
| Shaik Rasheed | BAT | 0.30 |
| Mukesh Choudhary | BOWL | 0.30 |
| Kamlesh Nagarkoti | AR | 0.30 |
ALSO SEE: India’s 5 Biggest Wins by Runs in Asia Cup History