IPL 2025: Ravindra Jadeja to Ravichandran Ashwin - 6 Players CSK must Release ahead of IPL 2026

Following a forgettable IPL 2025 season, Chennai Super Kings are expected to undergo a serious overhaul.

The five-time champions endured their worst campaign in league history, finishing at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 matches. Despite a big win in their final game, the damage had long been done - a season defined by aging stars, injury setbacks and underperforming investments.

With MS Dhoni's future still unclear and the team looking to rebuild, several players are likely to be released ahead of the 2026 season. Here are six names that may not be retained as CSK looks to reset and rebuild.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin was brought back to the CSK setup with high expectations, but the veteran off-spinner failed to live up to the billing. He managed just 5 wickets in 10 games and often proved expensive. His control and impact in the middle overs waned significantly, and at 38, age is not on his side. With younger spinners available in the domestic circuit, CSK may decide to move on.

Ravindra Jadeja

A franchise icon and longtime match-winner, Jadeja's 2025 season was underwhelming. He scored 254 runs and took 7 wickets across 14 matches, but rarely influenced games in the way fans have come to expect. His strike rate was a concern, and his bowling lacked penetration. With a high salary bracket and declining output, CSK could be forced to make a difficult but necessary call.

Rachin Ravindra

The young New Zealand all-rounder had his moments but lacked consistency throughout the campaign. Despite scoring over 400 runs, he failed to convert starts into match-winning contributions and struggled on slower surfaces. With a modest strike rate and limited impact with the ball, CSK may feel they can find better value elsewhere in the top order.

Devon Conway

Conway's season was marred by injuries, and his absence disrupted CSK's opening combination. Even when available, he didn't produce the kind of stability or explosiveness he was known for in previous seasons. Given his age and fitness issues, releasing him could open up space for a more dynamic overseas option at the top.

Deepak Hooda

Hooda's stint at CSK has been largely anonymous. Batting in the lower middle order, he managed only 31 runs in five appearances and failed to make any significant contributions. With fierce competition for Indian spots, his role in the squad looks redundant moving forward.

Rahul Tripathi

Despite getting opportunities, Rahul Tripathi never found his rhythm in yellow. Batting in the top order, he scored just 55 runs in five matches at a below-par strike rate. His struggles against both pace and spin were evident, and CSK might be better served investing in younger, more versatile Indian batters.

CSK need a reset more than ever. Loyalty has been the franchise's strength, but it might be time to make some tough decisions and invest in long-term assets. Letting go of out-of-form or injury-prone players will be key in shaping a stronger, rejuvenated squad for the next cycle.