5 players CSK must release ahead of IPL 2026

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had a disappointing season in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), as they became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. So far, they have played 11 matches, out of which they have won just two.

This is one of the worst seasons for the Super Kings, as they have failed to qualify for the second consecutive year. The Yellow Army had always depended on their top-order batters to score runs in the powerplays, which then eased the way for the middle-order players.

However, their regular strategy didn’t pay off well this season, as the openers failed to accumulate runs, leading to the team’s downfall. Moreover, if we analyse their auction performance, putting their trust in a few players didn’t work in their favour either. In this article, we will look at the players who should be released ahead of the upcoming IPL season.

Here are five players CSK should release ahead of IPL 2026:

5. Rachin Ravindra

The young New Zealand batter, Rachin Ravindra, has been more of a liability for the CSK team than an asset. He made his debut in IPL 2024 and played 10 matches, amassing 222 runs at an average of 22.20. He replaced Devon Conway that season, who was ruled out due to injury. Ravindra had big shoes to fill, as Conway helped the team win the finals with his consistent performances and long partnerships with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top.

However, the 25-year-old failed to provide the kind of start the team needed at that point. This season was no different for the Kiwi batter. He played in eight matches and scored just 191 runs at an average of 27.28, which is quite low for an opener. He couldn’t perform well, leaving the team in distress. Hence, the Super Kings should move on and invest in a better opener for the upcoming season.