CSK Set To Release These Players After Disastrous IPL 2026

MS Dhoni Gives CSK Baton To Sanju Samson. Image Credits: ChatGPT

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings faced another disappointing campaign in IPL 2026 as they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season (2024, 2025, 2026). On May 21, Gujarat Titans defeated CSK by a massive 89 runs, and with this loss, CSK was officially eliminated from the IPL 2026.

CSK finished the season with 12 points from 14 matches, winning only six games while losing eight. 

Injuries played a major role in disrupting the team’s balance throughout the season. Several key players, including MS Dhoni, Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton, and Khaleel Ahmed, were sidelined due to fitness concerns.

With another disappointing season behind them and the next mega auction approaching before IPL 2028, CSK are expected to make bold decisions to rebuild their squad. The franchise may release several players to free up purse money and sign fresh players. 

In this article, let’s take a look at three players CSK could release ahead of IPL 2027.

Players CSK might release after IPL 2026 exit

1) Anshul Kamboj

• Anshul Kamboj had a mixed IPL 2026 season for CSK. On one hand, the fast bowler picked up 21 wickets in 14 matches and briefly emerged as a contender for the Purple Cap. On the other hand, his performances became increasingly inconsistent as the tournament progressed.
• Kamboj started the season strongly with his aggressive pace and yorkers, but opposition batters soon understood his bowling patterns. He also created several unwanted IPL records. Kamboj conceded 34 sixes in a single season, the highest ever in tournament history, and he also conceded 8 sixes in a single match (CSK vs LSG).
• CSK had purchased Anshul Kamboj for ₹3.40 crore during the 2025 mega auction. Considering his inconsistency and high economy rate (10.52 in IPL 2026), the franchise may now look for a more dependable Indian pacer before the next season.

(Anshul Kamboj Stats in IPL 2026)

2) Prashant Veer

• Prashant Veer's IPL 2026 season turned out to be a major disappointment for CSK. The all-rounder was bought for a massive ₹14.20 crore, making him one of the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. However, he failed to justify his price tag.
• CSK reportedly viewed Prashant Veer as a long-term replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, but the team hardly used him during the season. He played only six matches, scoring 90 runs at an average of 45.

Also Read: 7 Players For The Price Of 2- Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma Bid Isn't What CSK Can Learn From RCB

• Surprisingly, Prashant Veer bowled only two overs in the entire tournament. He conceded 25 runs and failed to pick up a single wicket. He remained mostly on the bench and never looked settled in the CSK's playing XI. Releasing him could significantly improve CSK’s auction purse ahead of IPL 2027. 

(Prashant Veer's Batting Stats in IPL 2026)

(Prashant Veer's Bowling Stats in IPL 2026)

3) MS Dhoni

• The biggest decision CSK may take is regarding MS Dhoni. It is important to mention that MS Dhoni was retained by CSK as an uncapped player before the season, but he did not play a single match throughout the campaign.
• The legendary wicketkeeper-batter struggled with calf and thumb injuries, which kept him out for the entire tournament.
• There were early hopes that Dhoni might return later in the season, but that never happened. As CSK’s playoff hopes faded, reports also suggested that Dhoni stayed away from the playing XI to give younger players more opportunities.
• With fitness and age concerns (44 years) increasing and the team entering a rebuilding phase, CSK may finally move forward without their most iconic player.

Also Read: IPL 2026: SRH vs RCB Prediction, Match 67- Who Will Win Today?