CSK Retention List Expected for IPL 2026

CSK has a lot of challenges ahead ahead of IPL 2026. Their batting did not perform well in this year’s tournament, and the same was true for the bowling department; Noor Ahmad was perhaps the only shining light. But the team will have to make some tough decisions before next season. To begin with, just like Ayush Mhatre and Shaik Rasheed, they should bring in youngsters, who would play for them for a long time.

InsideSport takes a look at CSK retention list predicted for IPL 2026.

CSK’s planned retention list for IPL 2026

Ravindra Jadeja: Will you ever be able to dare to remove Jaddu from a team? CSK will most likely retain it, with 301 runs scored and 10 wickets in IPL 2025.

Loture Gaikwad: He had a horrible season where he got injured after just five games. He nonetheless remains the skipper of the team.

Matheesha Pathirana: The Malinga-style bowler has picked up just 13 wickets in 12 matches this year, but he is something of a spearhead for them. If he’s in good shape, he can be devastating.

Confirmed artists

Shivam Dubé: He had a decent season where he scored over 350 runs, but his knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final will only push CSK to keep him.

Noor Ahmad: 24 wickets in 14 matches for a team that finished last seems pretty unfair. But CSK would surely retain him, considering what he brings to the team.

Khaleel Ahmed: He was not at his best, but still managed to pick 15 wickets for the team. He would share the duties of the new ball with Pathirana.

Rachin Ravindra: An unforgettable season, abandoned after a few matches, but CSK seems to have built a strong relationship with him. He even trained at their academy last year, before the IND series. So he stays.

Anshul Kamboj: 8 wickets in 8 matches, but showed great promise. He could benefit from an extension of at least one year.

Sam Curran: He bats anywhere in the batting order and can be a decent bowling option as well.

A young brigade here to stay

Gurjapneet Singh: He is a product of the Tamil Nadu national team; has shown great promise and will be retained. Although he hasn’t played a single game, we can be sure of his retention.

Vansh Bedi: He also hasn’t spent enough time with his national team, but he could be groomed for the future.

André Siddharth: Again, a TN product and scored big in domestic cricket. Would be retained.

Shreyas Gopal: Can do well if given the opportunity, and the team needs backup players like him who have enough experience under their belt. Has already played 52 IPL matches.

Ramakrishna Ghosh: A decent fast bowling all-rounder, who probably won’t play for CSK anytime soon, but still makes a handy backup.

Sheikh Rasheed: Opened the batting with Ayush Mhatre for a few matches, wasn’t great, but the potential is there, that’s for sure.

Mukesh Choudhary: Can bowl fast, but fitness could be an issue. He has only played two matches this year, where his economy was above 11.

MS Dhoni in or out?

MRS Dhoni: Whether he plays or not is still a question mark. Every year is a big surprise. If he decides to play, there is no way CSK will not retain him; if he doesn’t, it will be a huge loss. In his case, the records don’t matter.

Kamlesh Nagarkoti: After his exploits at the U19 World Championship a few years ago, he disappeared due to injuries. But then, he could be a great addition, if he gets to play and is in top shape.

Nathan Ellis: It’s great to have someone as experienced as Ellis as a reserve. With the four foreign player rule, he could end up sitting on the bench in most matches, but he could replace Pathirana whenever necessary.

Jamie Overton: The English all-rounder might just be able to keep his place this time around. If he was bought at a price of INR 1.50 Cr, the team might have plans for him.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Devon Conway (Rs. 6.25 crore), Rahul Tripathi (Rs. 3.40 crore), Rachin Ravindra (Rs. 4 crore), R. Ashwin (Rs. 9.75 crores)Khaleel Ahmed (Rs. 4.80 crore), Noor Ahmad (Rs. 10 crore), Vijay Shankar (Rs. 1.20 crore), Sam Curran (Rs. 2.40 crore), Shaik Rasheed (Rs. 30 lakh), Anshul Kamboj (Rs. 3.40 crore), Mukesh Choudhary (Rs. 30 lakh), Deepak Hooda (Rs. 1.70 crore), Gurjapneet Singh (Rs. 2.20 crore), Nathan Ellis (Rs. 2 crore), Jamie Overton (Rs. 1.50 crore), Kamlesh Nagarkoti (Rs. 30 lakh), Ramakrishna Ghosh (Rs. 30 lakh), Shreyas Gopal (Rs. 30 lakh), Vansh Bedi (Rs. 55 lakh), Andre Siddharth (Rs. 30 lakh).