Chennai Super Kings is one of the most loved teams in IPL history. The franchise has won 5 IPL trophies and has millions of fans. But IPL 2025 was a nightmare for CSK. They finished last in the points table.
Now CSK must rebuild for IPL 2026. The mini auction is coming in December, and CSK must submit their retention list by November 2025. This is the most important decision for the franchise. They need to keep their best players and build a strong team around them.
After a terrible 2025 season, CSK will likely keep 16 players who showed promise or have big potential. Let’s look at these players who will form the core of CSK’s team for IPL 2026.
CSK Retained Players For IPL 2026 (Predicted)
Here are the potential retained players for CSK ahead of the 2026 auction.
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | Wicket-Keeper (Mentor) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder |
| Shivam Dube | All-Rounder |
| Rachin Ravindra | All-Rounder |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler |
| Noor Ahmad | Bowler |
| Anshul Kamboj | Bowler |
| Dewald Brevis | Batter |
| Ayush Mhatre | Batter |
| Urvil Patel | Wicket-Keeper Batter |
| Shaik Rasheed | Batter |
| Vansh Bedi | Bowler |
| Andre Siddarth | All-Rounder |
| Ramakrishna Ghosh | Wicket-Keeper |
1. MS Dhoni (Wicketkeeper)
MS Dhoni is CSK’s heart and soul. He is the greatest captain in IPL history and has led CSK to 5 IPL trophies. Even at his age, Dhoni still plays for CSK and guides the team. Last season, he captained the side after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out.
Dhoni may not play every match now, but his presence in the team is priceless. He trains young players, helps them handle pressure, and makes smart decisions. CSK cannot imagine a team without Dhoni.
Why keep him? Greatest CSK legend ever. His experience and leadership are invaluable for young players.
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed the captain of CSK in 2024. He became the fourth captain of the side after Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja. Gaikwad has led CSK in 19 matches so far, and the team has won eight of these games.
In his debut season as the captain, Gaikwad made 583 runs at a strike rate of 141.16. He hit one century and four half-centuries. CSK finished in fifth position in 2024. In 2025, Gaikwad sustained an elbow injury and was ruled out after playing five games. CSK will likely continue with Gaikwad as the captain of the side.
Why keep him? Finished as the leading run-scorer in three of the last five seasons for CSK. Long-term captaincy option.
3. Ravindra Jadeja (All-Rounder)
Ravindra Jadeja is one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. He can bat, bowl spin, and is the best fielder in the team. Jadeja has been with CSK for many years and is a senior player now.
Even in the poor 2025 season, Jadeja performed well. He took wickets, scored useful runs, and saved many runs with his fielding. CSK will definitely keep their star all-rounder.
Why keep him? World-class all-rounder who can win matches. Senior player with lots of experience.
4. Shivam Dube (All-Rounder)
Shivam Dube is a powerful hitter who bats left-handed. He can hit huge sixes and bowl some overs too. Dube is an Indian all-rounder, which makes him very valuable for team balance.
Dube has shown his talent in IPL and even played for Team India. CSK needs big hitters in the middle order, and Dube gives them that power.
Why keep him? Strong Indian all-rounder who hits big sixes. Can bowl too.
5. Rachin Ravindra (All-Rounder)
Rachin Ravindra is a talented young all-rounder from New Zealand. He can open the batting, bowl spin, and field well. CSK chose him over Devon Conway in IPL 2025, showing they believe in his ability.
Ravindra is still young and has a bright future. He can become one of CSK’s main players for many years. His all-round skills give CSK many options.
Why keep him? Young all-rounder with huge potential. Can bat, bowl, and field brilliantly.
6. Matheesha Pathirana (Bowler)
Matheesha Pathirana is a special fast bowler from Sri Lanka. He bowls with a unique slingy action and is very hard to hit. Pathirana bowls deadly yorkers in the death overs.
Many people call Pathirana the next Lasith Malinga. He is young and already one of the best death bowlers in the IPL. CSK found this gem and must keep him.
Why keep him? Best young death bowler in IPL. Bowls unplayable yorkers.
7. Khaleel Ahmed (Bowler)
Khaleel Ahmed is an experienced Indian left-arm fast bowler. He can swing the new ball and bowl well in the powerplay. Having an Indian fast bowler is very important for team balance.
Khaleel has played for Team India and knows how to take wickets. He gives CSK a good bowling option and doesn’t take a foreign player spot.
Why keep him? Experienced Indian fast bowler. Can swing the ball and take early wickets.
8. Noor Ahmad (Bowler)
Noor Ahmad is a left-arm spin bowler from Afghanistan. He is very young but bowls smartly. Left-arm spinners are rare and very valuable in T20 cricket.
Noor can bowl in the middle overs and control the run rate. He also takes important wickets. CSK needs good spinners, and Noor gives them that option.
Why keep him? Young left-arm spinner with great skill. Can bowl in any situation.
9. Anshul Kamboj (Bowler)
Anshul Kamboj is a promising Indian fast bowler. He is young and has shown good pace and skill. CSK believes he can become a key bowler in the future.
Having young Indian bowlers is important for CSK’s future. Kamboj gives them depth in fast bowling without taking a foreign spot.
Why keep him? Young Indian fast bowler with potential. Future star in the making.
10. Dewald Brevis (Batter)
Dewald Brevis is an exciting young batter from South Africa. He is known as “Baby AB” because he bats like AB de Villiers. Brevis can hit the ball to all parts of the ground.
Brevis is still very young and learning. But his talent is clear for everyone to see. CSK wants to develop him into a superstar batter.
Why keep him? Exciting young talent who can hit huge sixes. Future superstar material.
11. Ayush Mhatre (Batter)
Ayush Mhatre is a young Indian opening batter. He got his chance in IPL 2025 and impressed everyone. Mhatre can score quickly and plays with confidence.
Young Indian batters are very valuable in IPL. Mhatre costs less money and doesn’t take a foreign spot. He can open for CSK for many years.
Why keep him? Talented young opener. Showed great promise in IPL 2025.
12. Urvil Patel (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
Urvil Patel is an aggressive wicket-keeper batter from Gujarat. He can open the batting and keep wickets too. Patel impressed when he got chances in IPL 2025.
Having a backup wicket-keeper is important for every team. Patel gives CSK that option and can also bat powerfully at the top.
Why keep him? Backup wicket-keeper who can open. Aggressive batter with good skills.
13. Shaik Rasheed (Batter)
Shaik Rasheed is a young Indian batter with lots of potential. He can bat in the top order or middle order. Rasheed plays both fast bowlers and spinners well.
CSK is building for the future, and Rasheed is part of that plan. Young Indian batters are the backbone of successful IPL teams.
Why keep him? Promising young Indian batter. Flexible and can bat anywhere.
14. Vansh Bedi (Wicketkeeper)
Vansh Bedi is a young wicketkeeper who can play aggressive cricket. He is still developing his skills, but has shown good potential. CSK wants to give him time to grow.
Having a young Indian wicketkeeper in the squad gives depth. Bedi can learn from experienced players and become better.
Why keep him? Young Indian wicketkeeper with potential. Good backup option for the future.
15. Andre Siddarth (All-Rounder)
Andre Siddarth is a young Indian all-rounder. He can bat and bowl, giving CSK flexibility. Siddarth is still raw but has the skills to succeed.
All-rounders are always valuable in T20 cricket. CSK is investing in Siddarth’s future and wants to develop him.
Why keep him? Young Indian all-rounder. Can do both batting and bowling jobs.
16. Ramakrishna Ghosh (All-rounder)
Ramakrishna Ghosh is a bowling all-rounder from Maharashtra. He bats right-handed and bowls medium-fast pace. Born in Nashik in 1997, Ghosh is 28 years old and brings experience to the squad.
Ghosh can bat and bowl both, making him a useful player. His medium-pace bowling gives CSK another option. All-rounders who can do multiple jobs are always valuable.
Why keep him? Experienced Indian all-rounder. Can bat and bowl medium pace.
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Conclusion: CSK Building For The Future
After finishing last in IPL 2025, CSK is making smart choices. They will keep 16 players who can form a strong core. This team has the perfect mix of experience and youth.
MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja bring years of winning experience. Matheesha Pathirana and Rachin Ravindra are proven match-winners. Young stars like Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Anshul Kamboj are the future.
CSK has balanced their team well. They have batters who can score fast, bowlers who can take wickets, and all-rounders who do both jobs. With these 16 players as the base, CSK can buy more talent at the December auction.
The Yellow Army is ready to roar again. With smart planning and the right additions, CSK can bounce back from their worst season ever. IPL 2026 will be a fresh start for Chennai Super Kings!
FAQs
CSK wants a strong core of reliable players. These 16 players either performed well in 2025 or have huge potential for the future. Keeping 16 players gives CSK a good base while still having money to buy new talent at the auction. They can fill the gaps and build a complete team.
Most likely yes. MS Dhoni is CSK’s greatest legend, and the fans love him. He may not play every match, but he will be in the squad. His role is now more as a mentor and guide for young players. As long as Dhoni is fit and wants to play, CSK will keep him.
Ruturaj Gaikwad will most probably continue as captain. The management still trusts him even after the poor 2025 season. Ruturaj is a good leader and an excellent batter. With better players around him and MS Dhoni’s guidance, he can lead CSK to success in 2026.
Young players are the future of any IPL team. Indian youngsters like Ayush Mhatre don’t take foreign player spots and cost less money. They can play for CSK for 10-15 years. Players like Dewald Brevis have superstar potential. Investing in youth now will help CSK win trophies for many years.
CSK has a decent balance. They have experienced players like Dhoni and Jadeja. They have proven performers like Pathirana and Ravindra. They have exciting young talent in batting and bowling. But CSK still needs to buy more quality players at the auction. They need another top foreign batter and more Indian fast bowlers to complete the squad.
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