On retention deadline day, Chennai Super Kings pulled off the most dramatic and bold squad overhaul in IPL history.
They executed the biggest trade ever, released several proven match-winners, and built a completely new core blending MS Dhoni’s experience with explosive young talent and Sanju Samson as the new wicketkeeper-batter.
Here is the full, confirmed list.
CSK Retained Players for IPL 2026 (16 Players)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
- Ayush Mhatre
- Dewald Brevis
- MS Dhoni (WK)
- Urvil Patel (WK)
- Sanju Samson (WK-Batter – Traded from Rajasthan Royals)
- Shivam Dube
- Jamie Overton (Overseas)
- Ramakrishna Ghosh
- Noor Ahmad (Overseas)
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Anshul Kamboj
- Gurjapneet Singh
- Nathan Ellis (Overseas)
- Shreyas Gopal
- Mukesh Choudhary
Purse Remaining: ₹43.4 crore Slots Left: 9 (including 3–4 overseas)
CSK Released and Traded Players for IPL 2026 (Full List)
Traded
- Ravindra Jadeja → Rajasthan Royals
- Sam Curran → Rajasthan Royals
Released
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Devon Conway
- Rachin Ravindra
- Rahul Tripathi
- Deepak Hooda
- Vijay Shankar
- Shaik Rasheed
- Vansh Bedi
- C Andre Siddarth
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
The Historic Trade
Sanju Samson → CSK Ravindra Jadeja + Sam Curran (+ cash) → Rajasthan Royals
CSK have parted ways with two iconic figures and acquired the best Indian wicketkeeper-batter in the country, who will now lead the batting alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad and under MS Dhoni’s mentorship.
What the New CSK Squad Looks Like
Top Order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre Middle Order/Finishers: Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel All-rounders: Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh Spin Bowling: Noor Ahmad, Shreyas Gopal Pace Bowling: Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary
With three quality wicketkeepers, a strong death-bowling unit, and heavy investment in Indian under-25 talent, CSK have built a squad designed to compete immediately and dominate for the next 4–5 years.
The ₹43.4 crore remaining purse gives them enormous flexibility in the upcoming mini-auction to target one elite overseas fast bowler and additional Indian firepower.https://nepalnews.com/
This is the most ruthless yet visionary retention strategy ever executed by the five-time champions.
A new era in Yellow has officially begun.https://theinfohatch.com/npl-fixtures-2025-season-2/
#CSKRetention2026 #SanjuInYellow #WhistlePodu
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