Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are yet to finalize their retention list for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, according to the latest reports. MS Dhoni will soon work with top decision-makers to finalize the retention list.
The Indian Premier League 2026 auction will reportedly be held from December 13th to 15th, and is likely to be held in India.
Will CSK release a big name?
According to a recent report on Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are considering offloading some big names from the squad. It was also said that the five-time champion would part ways with his star player and enter the auction with a big wallet.
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The names of batsman Deepak Hooda, all-rounder Vijay Shankar, batsman Rahul Tripathi, all-rounder Sam Curran and opener Devon Conway have emerged as part of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) release list.
However, the franchise quickly shared a cryptic post with X to shut down the press. CSK shared a post that read, “Don’t worry, I’ve updated my bio,” and the new bio read, “Nothing is official until you see it here.”
MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming and Ruturaj Gaikwad hold meeting
According to the latest report in Cricbuzz, CSK has not even internally discussed retaining or releasing players from the team. A high-profile meeting will be held between MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming and Ruturaj Gaikwad to finalize the retention list.
CSK officials also said they are awaiting updates from the IPL Governing Council regarding the auction dates and submission of retained players list.
He further said that N. Srinivasan has the final say on cricket matters. Chennai Super Kings are also unlikely to make any changes to their coaching staff as Srinivasan “doesn’t like chopping or making changes and values stability”.
“Look, we haven’t discussed it internally yet,” a CSK source told RevSportz. “MS has just returned from the US. Fleming is in New Zealand, but the IPL has not even given a date for submission of the retained players list. Fleming, MS and Ruturaj will hold a meeting to prepare the list. After that, the list will be submitted to Mr. Srinivasan for his approval.”
There are several left-arm spinners, but not enough off-spinners – CSK official
Ravichandran Ashwin has already announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, which will add Rs 9.75 crore to their wallet. However, Chennai Super Kings may look at overseas options as it will be difficult to replace the veteran off-spinner.
“There are a few left-arm spinners, but there is a lack of off-field spinners,” the source said. “We have done scouting at the TNPL and junior level. There are some players who bowl off-spin, but it is very difficult to get that quality. And in a mini-auction, the chances of getting the best quality are very slim. Franchises rarely release India’s top players.”
Chennai Super Kings, in particular, finished the 2025 Indian Premier League season in 10th place in the points table. They went just 4-10 on the season with a net run percentage of -0.647. This was the first time Chennai Super Kings finished at the bottom of the points table.
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