5 players CSK must release ahead of IPL 2026

5 players CSK must release ahead of IPL 2026 (Photo Source: X/IPL)

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had a disappointing season in the ongoing (IPL 2025), as they became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. So far, they have played 11 matches, out of which they have won just two.

This is one of the worst seasons for the Super Kings, as they have failed to qualify for the second consecutive year. The Yellow Army had always depended on their top-order batters to score runs in the powerplays, which then eased the way for the middle-order players.

However, their regular strategy didn’t pay off well this season, as the openers failed to accumulate runs, leading to the team’s downfall. Moreover, if we analyse their auction performance, putting their trust in a few players didn’t work in their favour either. In this article, we will look at the players who should be released ahead of the upcoming IPL season.

Here are five players CSK should release ahead of IPL 2026: 5. Rachin Ravindra Rachin Ravindra (Source: Prakash Singh/Getty Images)

The young New Zealand batter, Rachin Ravindra, has been more of a liability for the CSK team than an asset. He made his debut in IPL 2024 and played 10 matches, amassing 222 runs at an average of 22.20. He replaced Devon Conway that season, who was ruled out due to injury. Ravindra had big shoes to fill, as Conway helped the team win the finals with his consistent performances and long partnerships with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top.

However, the 25-year-old failed to provide the kind of start the team needed at that point. This season was no different for the Kiwi batter. He played in eight matches and scored just 191 runs at an average of 27.28, which is quite low for an opener. He couldn’t perform well, leaving the team in distress. Hence, the Super Kings should move on and invest in a better opener for the upcoming season.

4. Vijay Shankar Vijay Shankar (Source: R. SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images)

Vijay Shankar is one of those players who hasn’t had a great IPL season so far. Despite his poor performances, the CSK management put their trust in him to bat during the middle overs. He didn’t get to play initially, but when he did, he failed to deliver as a saviour for the team. Shankar has played five innings and scored just one half-century. Even though he scored 118 runs at an average of 39.33, it wasn’t an impactful season for him.

CSK need a striker in the middle order who can chase well and finish games. However, they haven’t found someone to fit that role yet. In the upcoming season, releasing Vijay Shankar would be a wise decision for the franchise, considering his age and performance in the league.

3. Deepak Hooda Deepak Hooda (Source: R.SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images)

Deepak Hooda’s poor performance in the ongoing IPL has contributed to the team’s struggle in the middle overs. He played five matches and scored just 31 runs at an average of 6.20. The 30-year-old batter has failed to justify his role in the tournament. The auction didn’t go well for the , as is evident in Hooda’s disappointing season.

The batter previously played for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he also failed to contribute meaningfully. It’s high time the CSK management rectifies their mistakes and releases him ahead of the upcoming season. This will allow them to bring in a young batter who can build and convert in the middle overs.

2. Rahul Tripathi Rahul Tripathi (Source: BIJU BORO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Super Kings made another blunder at the auction table by purchasing Rahul Tripathi for this season. He opened the innings alongside Rachin Ravindra in the first few matches before being dropped. However, the management brought him back again to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad at the No. 3 position, which didn’t work at all.

The player has scored just 55 runs in five matches, at an average of 11. For a top-order batter, these stats are extremely disappointing. The management should look for a better opener or No. 3 batter, preferably a youngster who can provide strong starts in the powerplays.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin Ravi Ashwin (Source: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)

The 38-year-old spin wizard, Ravichandran Ashwin, was bought by the Super Kings for INR 9.75 crore. It was anticipated that, as a reunion with his former franchise, he would lead the spin bowling attack for CSK. To everyone’s surprise, Ashwin struggled to take wickets and was hit for boundaries and maximums with ease by opposition batters.

In seven games, he managed to take only five wickets, which wasn’t enough to help the team win matches. Moreover, he was one of the most expensive buys for the team. Instead of investing in Ashwin, they could have spent that amount on a quality batter or a young bowler who could have been a long-term asset. Thus, CSK should release Ashwin and look for a better option in the upcoming IPL season.