The TATA IPL 2026 season already looks like a blockbuster for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), thanks to some major trades, bold releases, and the addition of one of the most impactful captains in modern IPL cricket — Sanju Samson.
As the retention window closed, CSK found themselves at the center of the biggest trade of the season, parting ways with long-time superstar Ravindra Jadeja and young powerhouse Sam Curran, while bringing in a fresh core built for the next 3–4 years.
This article provides the complete and authoritative breakdown of the Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 squad, combining officially released information with analytical insights to help fans understand the strategy behind each move.
CSK IPL 2026 Squad (Full List)
Here is the official list of players retained and traded into the Chennai Super Kings squad for IPL 2026:
Retained + Traded-In Players
- MS Dhoni
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Sanju Samson (Traded in from RR)
- Ayush Mhatre
- Dewald Brevis
- Shivam Dube
- Urvil Patel
- Noor Ahmad
- Nathan Ellis
- Shreyas Gopal
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Ramakrishna Ghosh
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Jamie Overton
- Gurjapneet Singh
- Anshul Kamboj
❌ CSK Released Player List / Traded Out
- Ravindra Jadeja (Traded to RR)
- Sam Curran (Traded to RR)
- Deepak Hooda
- Devon Conway
- Rachin Ravindra
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Kamlesh Nagarkoti
- Rahul Tripathi
- Shaikh Rasheed
- Vansh Bedi
- Vijay Shankar
- Andre Siddarth
Remaining Purse
INR 43.40 crore — one of the highest among franchises going into the IPL 2026 auction.
Slots Remaining
9 (including 4 overseas)
CSK’s Big Trade: Sanju Samson Joins Chennai Super Kings
One of the biggest headlines going into IPL 2026 was the massive trade between CSK and RR:
Trade Summary
- Sanju Samson → CSK
- Ravindra Jadeja → RR
- Sam Curran → RR
This is easily one of the most high-profile swaps in IPL history.
Here’s what it means for CSK:
Why CSK Wanted Sanju Samson
- A proven top-order wicketkeeper-batter
- Over 4,000 IPL runs
- One of the best players of spin—perfect for Chepauk
- Provides long-term stability after Dhoni retires
- A captaincy option post-Dhoni era
Personal Insight:
This move signals CSK’s ambition to build a fresh core around Ruturaj Gaikwad + Sanju Samson + Shivam Dube + Dewald Brevis — essentially setting the foundation for the next five years.
Why CSK Released Jadeja & Curran: A Rare but Strategic Move
On paper, releasing Jadeja, Curran, Conway, and Pathirana seems shocking. But CSK rarely operates emotionally; they plan years ahead.
Reasons Behind These Big Releases
- Jadeja’s league fee (₹18 crore → ₹14 crore in RR deal) created purse imbalance.
- His role overlapped with rising utility players + shifting team combination.
- CSK wanted a wicket-keeper top-order anchor → Samson fit perfectly.
- Pathirana leaving hints CSK will go heavy for a fast-bowling spearhead in the auction.
Personal Insight:
CSK has always believed in refresh cycles. They did it in 2018, 2021, and are doing it again now. Their focus is long-term stability over short-term sentiment.
Strengths of the Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Squad
1. Elite Top-Order Potential
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Sanju Samson
- Dewald Brevis
That’s a destructive, modern T20 top 3.
2. Middle-Order Power
- Shivam Dube
- Urvil Patel
- Jamie Overton (Power hitter + pace option)
3. Quality Indian Pace Group
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Mukesh Choudhary
- Anshul Kamboj
- Gurjapneet Singh
They offer a great mix of swing, left-arm angles, and death overs potential.
4. Spin Depth with a Mystery Factor
- Noor Ahmad
- Shreyas Gopal
Chepauk will be happy.
5. MS Dhoni’s Mentorship
Even if Dhoni plays fewer games, his presence in CSK leadership and decision-making gives them a competitive advantage no auction can buy.
Weaknesses & Gaps CSK Must Address at the IPL 2026 Auction
1. Lack of an Overseas All-Rounder
CSK explicitly needs a replacement for:
- Sam Curran
- Dwayne Bravo (legacy role)
- Moeen Ali (released previously)
Likely Targets:
- Andre Russell (released by KKR)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Liam Livingstone
- Cameron Green
CSK has the purse to go big — over ₹43 crore.
2. Backup Fast Bowler for Nathan Ellis
With Pathirana gone, CSK will surely pursue:
- Gerald Coetzee
- Spencer Johnson
- Lockie Ferguson
- Obed McCoy
3. No Experienced “Game Finisher”
Someone who can attack from ball one at No. 6/7.
Possible buys:
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rinku Singh (if KKR lets him go in future windows)
- Rovman Powell
Projected CSK Playing XI for IPL 2026 (Expert Prediction)
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
2. Sanju Samson (WK)
3. Dewald Brevis (Overseas)
4. Shivam Dube
5. Urvil Patel
6. Overseas All-Rounder (Auction Buy)
7. Jamie Overton
8. Noor Ahmad
9. Nathan Ellis (Overseas)
10. Mukesh Choudhary
11. Khaleel Ahmed
Bench includes promising youngsters + matchup specialists.
Personal Final Thoughts: CSK’s Rebuild Era Begins — But in Classic CSK Style
Every few years, CSK quietly rebuilds without making noise, and yet somehow ends up as title contenders.
IPL 2026 feels like one of those transitional seasons—but a strong one.
My observations:
CSK is building a team for 2026–2030
Gaikwad + Samson + Brevis + Dube is the new nucleus.
Dhoni’s involvement ensures stability
Even if he retires during or after IPL 2026, the leadership culture remains intact.
The purse size gives CSK massive leverage
₹43.4 crore is enough to reshape the team in one auction.
The only missing piece is a superstar all-rounder
Once that is solved, CSK will again look complete.
Overall, CSK goes into IPL 2026 as a highly strategic, refreshed squad — ready for a new era and still very much in title contention.
