The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 delivered its share of surprises and thrills, but for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), it turned out to be a campaign to forget.
One of the most successful franchises in IPL history, CSK finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time since its inception in 2008.
With the IPL 2026 auction on the horizon, the five-time champions are likely to rethink their squad composition and look for ways to rebuild a competitive side. Here, let us take a look at five players CSK might release ahead of the next auction.
5 players CSK can release ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Devon Conway
The wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway could be among the first to be released. Conway played only six matches in IPL 2025, scoring 156 runs, and continued to struggle in the Major League Cricket (MLC) that followed. His slow run rate at the top of the order often disrupted CSK’s momentum in the middle overs.
Additionally, his international T20 form has been inconsistent, which may have contributed to the franchise considering other options to strengthen the opening slot. CSK could look to replace him with a more explosive batter capable of giving them a strong start.
Rachin Ravindra
The left-handed batter Rachin Ravindra has also failed to make a consistent impact at the top order. In IPL 2025, he scored 191 runs in eight innings, but his overall average in the shorter formats has been underwhelming in recent times.
The franchise may opt to release Ravindra and explore other overseas batting options who can provide quick runs upfront and dominate opposition bowling attacks from the start.
Rahul Tripathi
Rahul Tripathi has struggled to make an impression for CSK in IPL 2025. Playing five games, he managed an average of just 11, which is a concern for a player expected to anchor the middle order.
While Tripathi has had moments of success in previous seasons, particularly with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022. But his inability to deliver consistently for CSK in crucial situations could lead the franchise to release him and seek a more reliable middle-order batter.
Deepak Hooda
The middle-order batter Deepak Hooda could also be among the players released. In IPL 2025, Hooda scored only 31 runs in five innings, showing little impact despite his previous success with Lucknow Super Giants in 2022.
His inconsistent performances made him a less than ideal option in pressure situations, and CSK might look to upgrade their middle order with players who can stabilise the innings and accelerate when required.
Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar might also be released ahead of IPL 2026. Shankar scored 118 runs in five innings, but his strike rate and consistency were major concerns. While he remains a regular performer in domestic cricket and local leagues, his IPL contributions have been underwhelming.
Shankar’s release from the CSK setup could free up some resources to bring in players who can inject firepower into the middle order and score quickly in tight games.