5 Players CSK Should Release Before the Next IPL Auction After a Dismal 2026 Season

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season was nothing short of a nightmare for the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Struggling with inconsistency in all departments, the franchise delivered a dismal performance and ultimately failed to qualify for the playoffs. CSK finished their campaign languishing in the 7th position on the points table, securing only 12 points with just 6 wins and 8 losses across their 14 league-stage matches.

Compounding their miseries was the sheer absence of their talismanic figure, MS Dhoni. For the first time in IPL history, Dhoni did not feature in a single match throughout the season. He was initially sidelined with a lingering calf strain and later suffered a fresh thumb injury during practice. This devastating double injury blow kept him entirely out of action, significantly impacting the team’s tactical balance and overall morale.

5 Players CSK Should Release Before the Next Auction

Given their underwhelming 2026 campaign, the franchise is expected to take hard calls and undergo a massive squad overhaul ahead of the upcoming mega auction. Based on their recent performances, here are the five players CSK should release to free up their purse and rebuild their squad:

Mukesh Choudhary

While Mukesh Choudhary’s first season with CSK was impressive, his recent form has significantly dipped. Despite personal challenges, he struggled to provide adequate support in the pace unit. His economy rate proved costly for the team, and the management may now consider moving beyond him. With the mega auction looming, CSK could look for fresh options to strengthen their bowling attack.

Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed’s injury completely ruled him out of IPL 2026, but his form prior to that was already under heavy question. He managed just two wickets in five games, accompanied by an economy rate that severely hurt the team. Once considered a key bowler, his retention looks highly uncertain, and a potential change of franchise colours in IPL 2027 cannot be ruled out.

Prashant Veer

Prashant Veer was acquired for a record-breaking bid in the IPL 2026 auction, but he has drastically failed to justify his hefty price tag. Unlike his teammate Kartik Sharma, who played fine knocks under pressure, Prashant has continuously struggled. CSK may opt to release him and attempt to re-sign him at a much lower cost, though his future will heavily depend on how the management values his long-term potential.

Dewald Brevis

Brevis was crucial in CSK’s resurgence last season, but this year he has completely failed to deliver. He could not manage a single half-century and struggled to provide any sort of stability in the middle order. With limited retention slots available for the upcoming auction, the management faces a tough call. Releasing him could be the most logical option as CSK looks to reshape its batting core.

Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube has been a stalwart in CSK’s Indian core over the years, but his recent form has thoroughly disappointed. Criticism has mounted over his surprisingly slow strike rate and declining finishing ability. Once seen as a reliable six-hitting powerhouse, his role in the current setup is now under intense scrutiny. The franchise must make a difficult decision on whether to continue backing him or move on to find a more explosive finisher.

As the Chennai Super Kings look to bounce back from their disastrous 2026 campaign, a strategic reshuffle is absolutely inevitable. Parting ways with these five underperforming stars will not only free up crucial funds but also allow the management to inject fresh energy into the squad. With the auction rapidly approaching, CSK fans will be hoping for smart buys and ruthless decisions that can restore the franchise to its former glory.