After an awful IPL 2025, the Super Kings are now all set for major changes in the auction ahead of IPL 2026. The five-time champions finish last, winning only 4 matches out of 14 — their worst-ever performance in the tournament. CSK missed out on the playoffs for the first time in consecutive years, making these improvements far more necessary.

With the retirement of veteran Ravichandran Ashwin (earning ₹9.75 crore), the franchise does have some flexibility in the salary cap and can afford to let go of some underperforming players to try and rebuild for the upcoming season. Five players that CSK could look to let go as IPL 2026 approaches are:

1. Devon Conway

Auction Price: ₹6.25 crore

IPL 2025: 156 runs in 6 matches

Career: 1080 runs in 29 matches | Avg: 43.20 | SR: 139.71

After a fantastic year in 2023, Conway saw a drastic dip in form in 2025. CSK initially tried Ravindra as an opener, but Conway failed to deliver, scoring just 156 runs in six games. Given his high price and lack of impact, it is possible that CSK might drop him to look for a more dependable top-order batter.

2. Rahul Tripathi

Auction Price: ₹3.40 crore

IPL 2025: 55 runs in 5 matches | Avg: 11.00 | SR: 96.49

Career: 2291 runs in 100 matches | Avg: 26.33 | SR: 137.85

The seasoned Indian batter was expected to add some depth to CSK’s middle order, but he had a terrible season, scoring just 55 runs in five matches. With quite a few rising domestic batters available, CSK could decide to release Tripathi and try out a more consistent Indian option.

3. Rachin Ravindra

Auction Price: ₹4 crore (RTM Card)

IPL 2025: 191 runs in 8 matches | Avg: 27.28 | SR: 128.18

Career: 413 runs in 18 matches | Avg: 24.29 | SR: 128.18

CSK had to use their RTM card to bring Rachin back, but the Kiwi all-rounder failed to deliver according to expectations. Except for flashes of talent, the overall impact remained limited. He may well be released by the management to prepare funds for an overseas opener or a better all-rounder.

4. Shaik Rasheed

Auction Price: ₹1.20 crore

IPL 2025: 48 runs in 4 matches | Avg: 12.00 | SR: 102.12

Considered a talented youngster, Shaik Rasheed gave glimpses of talent but lacked the maturity of standing firm through pressure situations. CSK could let him go having seen options in Indian batters or could consider re-signing at a lower price, should the need arise.

5. Mustafizur Rahman

Auction Price: ₹2 crore

IPL 2025: 8 wickets in 9 matches | Economy: 9.25

Mustafizur was given to bolster CSK’s pace attack but he found it difficult to deliver in crunch situations, especially at the death. Amongst emerging talents like Tushar Deshpande and Matheesha Pathirana, CSK might just let go of Mustafizur to target a more attacking overseas fast bowler.

What lies ahead for CSK?

With Ashwin’s retirement and a cash purse of around ₹9.75 crore to spend in the auction, plus other releases, which might free up to ₹15-20 crore more, the Chennai Super Kings could enter the auction of 2026 with a hefty bidding purse. The franchise is likely to focus on rebuilding its core batting and buying impactful all-rounders to set off the race for their next title.

Two disappointing seasons have ended, and once again, all eyes would be on MS Dhoni and CSK’s think tank to bring back the glory of yellow army and mount a serious comeback in IPL 2026.