by IPL 2025 will forever be remembered as the year Chennai Super Kings hit rock bottom.
The five-time champions, the team that made playoffs look routine, finished dead last.
Four wins in fourteen matches. Bottom of the table. It was unthinkable, yet it happened.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury after just five matches threw everything into chaos.
MS Dhoni stepped back into the captain’s role, trying to steady a sinking ship, but even his legendary composure couldn’t rescue this campaign.
Individual brilliance from youngsters like Noor Ahmad, Dewald Brevis, and Ayush Mhatre offered glimpses of hope, but the team as a whole never clicked.
The bowling attack looked toothless. The middle order lacked firepower. The entire season felt like watching your favorite superhero movie where the hero just keeps losing.
But CSK fans know their team better than anyone. They’ve seen the Yellow Army bounce back from setbacks before.
They’ve watched this franchise rebuild, regroup, and return stronger.
Now, as the dust settles on a nightmare season, all eyes turn toward one crucial question: CSK retentions IPL 2026—who stays, who goes, and can this iconic franchise reclaim its throne?
CSK Retentions 2026
Let’s break down everything fans need to know about CSK’s retention strategy, the players they’re banking on, and whether the comeback story everyone hopes for is actually possible.
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What Really Went Wrong in IPL 2025?
Before talking about retentions, let’s be honest about what broke this season. CSK didn’t just have bad luck—they had fundamental problems that needed fixing.
- Bowling Department Disaster
The pace attack looked amateur. Apart from Matheesha Pathirana’s occasional brilliance, CSK’s fast bowlers got hammered regularly. Opposition batsmen treated them like free runs, especially in death overs where CSK leaked boundaries like a broken tap.
Even the spin department, traditionally CSK’s strength at Chepauk, couldn’t compensate. Ravindra Jadeja bowled well but couldn’t single-handedly win matches. Without consistent support, even the best bowlers struggle.
- Middle Order Meltdown
When top-order batsmen failed, nobody in the middle order stepped up consistently. The batting looked one-dimensional, lacking the flexibility to rescue collapses or accelerate when needed. Power hitters didn’t fire. Anchors couldn’t rotate strike. It was frustrating to watch.
- The Injury Blow
Losing Ruturaj Gaikwad early devastated CSK’s entire strategy. He’s not just their captain—he’s their most reliable top-order batsman. His absence forced constant changes that never worked. The team never found its rhythm after that injury.
- The Silver Lining
Not everything was terrible. Young talents like Noor Ahmad (24 wickets in 14 games!), Dewald Brevis (225 runs at 180 strike rate in just six matches) and Anshul Kamboj showed real promise. These performances suggest CSK’s future isn’t as bleak as the points table indicates.
CSK management learned valuable lessons this season. The CSK IPL retentions 2026 will reflect those hard truths about what works and what doesn’t.
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The Retained Core – Building Around Ruturaj
Despite the horror show, CSK has a solid core worth building around. Here’s who fans can expect to see in yellow next season:
CSK’s Expected Retention List for 2026
| Player | Role | Why CSK Keeps Them |
|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Captain & Opener | Future of the franchise, proven consistency |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder | World-class talent, CSK’s heart and soul |
| Shivam Dube | Power-Hitter | Spin destroyer, reliable finisher |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Death Bowler | Best pace weapon, young and improving |
| Noor Ahmad | Spinner | Breakthrough star, perfect for Chepauk |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Pace Bowler | Left-arm variety, Indian core strength |
| Rachin Ravindra | Top-Order Batter | Left-handed balance, long-term potential |
| Anshul Kamboj | Pace Bowler | Promising youngster, investment in the future |
| Dewald Brevis | Middle-Order Batter | Explosive talent, high strike rate beast |
| MS Dhoni | Wicketkeeper | Legacy player, mentor, emotional anchor |
| Sam Curran | All-Rounder | Utility player, bowls and bats anywhere |
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – The Captain CSK Believes In
With 2,502 runs at 40.35 average, Ruturaj has earned CSK’s trust. Yes, the 2025 season didn’t go as planned, but that wasn’t his fault. Injury robbed him of leading through the storm.
Fans love Ruturaj because he plays smart cricket. He doesn’t throw his wicket away. He builds innings, anchors chases, and accelerates when needed. He won the Orange Cap in 2021, proving he can handle pressure and deliver when it counts.
CSK sees him as their long-term captain—the man who’ll carry forward MS Dhoni’s legacy. That’s enormous pressure, but if anyone can handle it, Ruturaj can.
- Ravindra Jadeja – The Irreplaceable Legend
Jaddu is CSK cricket personified. With 2,354 runs and 152 wickets in 200 CSK matches, his numbers alone justify retention. But statistics don’t capture his full value.
Watch Jadeja field—diving catches, direct hits, saving runs that others can’t. Watch him bowl—economical overs when everyone else is leaking runs. Watch him bat—finishing games when pressure crushes others.
Fans adore Jadeja because he gives 200% every match. He’s not just a player; he’s CSK’s warrior who fights till the last ball. Losing Jadeja would be like losing CSK’s soul itself.
- Shivam Dube – The Spin Murderer
Dube’s 1,460 runs at a 151.60 strike rate tell you everything. He doesn’t just score runs—he destroys bowling attacks, especially spinners. Middle overs? Dube accelerates. Death overs? Dube finishes.
Supporters hope Dube continues his aggressive form in 2026. He’s exactly the kind of fearless power-hitter modern T20 cricket demands. When Dube’s on fire, even the best bowlers look helpless.
- Matheesha Pathirana – The Yorker King
With 47 wickets in 32 matches, Pathirana is CSK’s most consistent fast bowler in recent years. His slingy action reminds everyone of Malinga, and his yorkers are just as deadly.
At only 21, Pathirana represents CSK’s pace bowling future. Fans trust him to deliver in death overs when matches hang by a thread. His retention was never in doubt—he’s too valuable to risk losing.
- Noor Ahmad – The Breakthrough Star
Noor’s 24 wickets in just 14 games were arguably IPL 2025’s biggest positive for CSK. The young Afghan spinner showed maturity beyond his years, picking wickets in powerplays and middle overs consistently.
CSK faithful are excited about Noor because he gives them a genuine wicket-taking spin option. Paired with Jadeja, they form a spin partnership that can dominate Chepauk’s turning tracks and trouble batsmen anywhere.
- Khaleel Ahmed – The Left-Arm Weapon
Khaleel’s left-arm angle provides the variation CSK desperately needs. His 15 wickets with 9.57 economy show reliability, even if he’s not spectacular.
Being a quality Indian pacer who can bowl new ball and middle overs makes Khaleel valuable. CSK needs a strong Indian core, and Khaleel provides exactly that—consistent, dependable, and improving.
- Rachin Ravindra – The Patient Investment
Rachin’s 413 runs in 18 matches seem modest, but CSK sees long-term potential. The left-handed Kiwi brings top-order balance and adaptability that’s valuable over multiple seasons.
Fans appreciate his technique and temperament. Rachin doesn’t panic, doesn’t throw his wicket away, and can adjust his game to different situations. That maturity at his age suggests special things ahead.
- Anshul Kamboj – The Indian Pace Hope
Kamboj’s eight wickets at 8.5 economy might not jump off the page, but CSK sees something special. The young Indian pacer showed discipline and intelligence that can’t be taught easily.
Supporters understand CSK’s retention of Kamboj signals commitment to developing homegrown talent. Quality Indian pacers are cricket’s rarest commodity—investing in Kamboj now could pay huge dividends later.
- Dewald Brevis – Baby AB Returns
Brevis exploded mid-season with 225 runs in six matches at 180 strike rate. The South African youngster showed fearless aggression that makes T20 cricket exciting.
Fans nicknamed him “Baby AB” because his batting style echoes AB de Villiers. If CSK nurtures this talent properly, Brevis could become one of T20 cricket’s most destructive batsmen. That potential is worth retaining.
- Sam Curran – The All-Round Utility
Curran’s 356 runs and 23 wickets showcase complete value. He bats anywhere from six to nine. He bowls powerplay, middle overs, or death. That flexibility is priceless in T20 cricket.
Having a quality overseas all-rounder who fits any role gives CSK tactical options others lack. Curran’s retention ensures squad depth and versatility when injuries or poor form hit.
MS Dhoni – The Question That Breaks Every CSK Fan’s Heart
Will MS Dhoni play IPL 2026? This question keeps CSK supporters awake at night. Nobody wants to imagine Chennai Super Kings without Mahi, but Father Time catches everyone eventually.
- Why Fans Want Him to Continue?
Dhoni is CSK. His 5,314 runs are just numbers—his real value is leadership, composure, and match-winning ability under pressure. Those helicopter shots in finals. Those lightning stumpings. Those calm captaincy decisions when everyone else panics.
Even at 44, Dhoni’s wicketkeeping remains sharp. His finishing ability, though not peak Dhoni, can still win matches. Most importantly, his mentorship helps Ruturaj develop as a captain. Having Dhoni around makes everyone play better cricket.
- The Realistic Perspective
Age is undefeated. Dhoni might feel he’s given everything to CSK and Indian cricket. Retiring as a legend while still respected appeals to many athletes. He could transition to pure mentorship without playing demands.
- What Will Probably Happen
CSK will retain Dhoni regardless of his playing decision. If he plays, fans will celebrate. If he retires as a player but stays as a mentor, that works too. Dhoni’s connection to CSK transcends his batting or wicketkeeping.
Expect clarity closer to IPL 2026. Until then, supporters will pray for one more season of Captain Cool in yellow, making impossible finishes look routine.
Players Likely Released Before the Auction
Not everyone survives retention cuts. Some players, despite their best intentions, didn’t deliver when CSK needed them most.
- Underperforming Overseas Players
CSK had several foreign players who couldn’t justify selection in 2025. With only four overseas spots available, every foreigner must deliver consistently. Those who didn’t will probably be released and potentially bought cheaper at auction.
- Aging Veterans Past Their Prime
CSK traditionally backs experienced players, sometimes too loyally. IPL 2026 might see CSK being more ruthless about releasing older players clearly declining, making room for younger blood.
- Backup Players Who Never Featured
Squad members who didn’t play despite the team struggling will likely be released. CSK needs match-winners contributing, not bench-warmers collecting paychecks.
- Indian Bowlers Who Disappointed
Several Indian bowlers failed to make an impact in 2025. With CSK needing bowling reinforcement urgently, those who didn’t perform will probably make way for fresh options at auction.
The CSK retentions 2026 will be as much about strategic releases as keeping core players. Smart releases create auction flexibility to buy exactly what CSK lacks.
Rising Stars CSK Is Betting On
While keeping proven performers, CSK is heavily investing in youth. Three names stand out as long-term bets defining CSK’s future.
- Noor Ahmad – The Spin Wizard
Already discussed in retentions, but worth emphasizing—Noor represents CSK’s spin future. At just 19, he’s already troubling the world’s best T20 batsmen. Five years from now, Noor could dominate IPL’s wicket-taking charts.
- Anshul Kamboj – The Homegrown Hope
Finding quality Indian pacers bowling 140+ kmph with control is incredibly rare. Kamboj has that potential. CSK’s investment could pay dividends for a decade if he develops properly under good coaching.
- Dewald Brevis – The Next Big Thing
Brevis has ridiculous natural talent. His 180 strike rate wasn’t luck—it was calculated aggression based on pure skill. If CSK nurtures him right, Brevis could become a globally feared T20 batsman.
These youngsters give fans hope. Yes, 2025 was a disaster, but these rising stars suggest CSK’s future remains bright if they’re patient and strategic.
What Fans Expect From IPL 2026?
CSK supporters aren’t unrealistic. They know one good retention list doesn’t guarantee championships. But they do have reasonable expectations for the upcoming season.
- A Competitive Team
Fans want CSK competing for the playoffs again, not fighting relegation battles. They want their team to make opponents nervous, not to be easy victories.
- Better Bowling Attack
Supporters desperately want pace bowlers who don’t leak runs like broken faucets. They want death-over specialists who can defend totals. They want the Chepauk spin advantage properly utilized.
- Middle Order Firepower
Fans expect batsmen who can finish games when the top order fails. They want power-hitters clearing boundaries under pressure. They want smart cricket that adapts to different situations.
- Dhoni’s Presence
Whether playing or mentoring, fans want Mahi around. His presence alone boosts team morale and gives supporters confidence that someone wise is guiding the ship.
- Playoff Return
After missing playoffs for the first time in years, fans desperately want CSK back where they belong—competing for trophies, not just participation certificates.
These aren’t unreasonable demands. They’re basic expectations from a franchise with CSK’s history, resources, and fan following.
Final Thoughts – The Road to Redemption Begins Now
CSK has fallen before. They’ve faced setbacks, dealt with bans, rebuilt from scratch, and returned stronger every time.
That’s what makes them special—not that they never lose, but that they never stay down.
The IPL CSK retentions 2026 show a franchise learning from failure and planning strategically.
By keeping their proven core while investing in exciting youth, they’re building for immediate impact and long-term dominance.
Ruturaj will mature as a captain. Jadeja remains world-class. The young bowlers will develop with experience.
The power-hitters will deliver match-winning performances. And if Dhoni plays even one more season, CSK gets invaluable wisdom on and off the field.
Yes, IPL 2025 broke hearts. But CSK fans know their team’s character. They’ve watched this franchise turn disasters into triumphs too many times to lose faith now.
The Yellow Army will return to Chepauk next season singing “Whistle Podu” with the same passion, the same belief, the same unwavering support that makes them cricket’s most loyal fan base.
CSK has fallen. Now comes the part fans love most—watching their heroes rise again, proving that champions don’t stay down. The comeback story writes itself. Now, CSK just needs to play it beautifully.
Dhoni always said, “Definitely not” about retirement until he was sure. Maybe that philosophy applies to CSK too—they’re definitely not finished. Not even close.
