Chennai Super Kings: 5 Players to Release Ahead of IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings' Struggles in IPL 2025

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have faced a challenging IPL 2025 season, tarnishing their reputation as one of cricket's most reliable franchises. With only two victories in ten matches, they find themselves at the bottom of the points table and have already been eliminated from playoff contention. This disappointing performance calls for urgent introspection and strategic reevaluation.

The team's decline can be traced back to a misguided auction strategy that favored nostalgia over current needs. Their reliance on aging players has backfired, revealing significant weaknesses in batting, bowling, and fielding. Even the legendary leadership of MS Dhoni couldn't motivate players who are clearly past their prime. The injury to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad midway through the tournament added to their woes, but the issues run deeper than individual setbacks.

Structural Issues and Performance Decline

CSK's traditional dominance in powerplays has diminished, with openers frequently dismissed, creating pressure throughout the batting order. The bowling attack has lacked effectiveness, and fielding errors have become a regular embarrassment. To address these costly mistakes, CSK must consider releasing underperforming players, potentially freeing up over ₹32 crores for strategic acquisitions that could restore the team's competitive edge.

5 Players Chennai Super Kings Should Release Before IPL 2026

Matheesha Pathirana

Image Source : BCCI

Matheesha Pathirana has become a costly retention mistake for CSK. Once a promising fast bowler, his performance has significantly declined, with only nine wickets at an average of 33.11 and an alarming economy rate of 10.39. His recent injury has further diminished his effectiveness, leading to a lack of confidence and poor decision-making during matches. The ₹13 crore investment in him could be better utilized to acquire two quality overseas players.

Ravichandran Ashwin

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Ravichandran Ashwin's return to CSK has not been fruitful. With only five wickets in seven matches and a poor average of 44.60, he has struggled to adapt to the demands of modern T20 cricket. His predictability has made him an easy target for opposing batsmen, and his fielding skills have also declined. The ₹9.75 crore spent on him could be redirected towards acquiring younger, more effective spinners.

Devon Conway

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Devon Conway's injury has turned him from a reliable opener into a liability. His strike rate has dropped significantly, and he has struggled to maintain momentum during matches. With a salary of ₹6.25 crore, his performance does not justify the expense, especially with other options like Rachin Ravindra available.

Rahul Tripathi

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Rahul Tripathi's inconsistent performance has highlighted CSK's auction miscalculations. His low strike rate and poor average have hindered the team's batting flow. With only 55 runs in five innings, he has not lived up to expectations, and his ₹3.40 crore salary is a poor allocation of resources.

Deepak Hooda

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Deepak Hooda's disappointing performance makes him a prime candidate for release. With a strike rate of 75.61 and only 31 runs in five matches, he has not contributed effectively. His limited skills do not align with the team's needs for versatile players, making his ₹1.70 crore salary unjustifiable.

Conclusion

To transform from IPL titans to a struggling team, CSK must make strategic changes. The five players identified for release collectively cost over ₹32 crores and have provided minimal returns. By replacing these veterans with younger, more dynamic players, CSK can rebuild and enhance their competitiveness. The upcoming mini-auction presents an opportunity to correct past mistakes and lay the groundwork for future success. Intelligent franchises understand that loyalty must be earned through performance, and CSK's ability to make tough decisions will determine their path forward.