CSK’s IPL 2026 release plan: Hooda, Curran, Conway, and more
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to release key players like Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction.
CSK looking to release 6 players. Image | X
Last Updated: 06.02 PM, Oct 10, 2025
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for a significant squad overhaul ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, with reports indicating that the franchise plans to release key players Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway. This move follows a disappointing IPL 2025 season where CSK finished at the bottom of the points table.
Ashwin’s retirement freed up space and purse
One of the major changes affecting CSK's auction purse is the retirement of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, whose retirement alone has added ₹9.75 crore to the team's budget.
With the release of the aforementioned senior players, CSK is expected to generate around ₹34.45 crore more, potentially entering the auction with a purse close to ₹40 crore.
This financial flexibility will afford CSK the opportunity to pursue fresh and impactful talent, possibly investing in top all-rounders like Cameron Green or explosive opening batsmen to strengthen their batting lineup and bowling attack.
IPL 2026 retention deadline
The deadline for player retention and releases across all IPL franchises is November 15, 2025.
By this date, CSK and other teams must finalize and submit their lists of retained players and those released into the auction pool. This is a critical step in team formation, setting the stage for the auction battles that follow.
Is Sanju Samson coming to CSK?
With multiple reports in the last few months suggesting that Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals wicket-keeper batter and captain, might want to change franchise after an ‘unhappy’ season with the Royals.
There were rumours that CSK wanted Sanju and wanted to swap him with Ravichandran Ashwin. But, the Royals wanted to have more money or Shivam Dube along with Ashwin for swapping Sanju Samson, to which CSK did not agree.
But now, with Ashwin already retired and Kumar Sangakkara back as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, there are fewer chances of Sanju leaving the franchise and joining the Chennai Super Kings.