CSK missing players after retentions – Who will Chennai target next?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) need to pick players in key positions during the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction, which is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on December 16.

The five-time champions have released 10 players this month, while two have been traded. Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Vijay Shankar are three all-rounders they released ahead of the auction. They will need to pick at least one solid all-rounder to add balance to their side. Meanwhile, they have also left out multiple Indian batters like Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, and Shaik Rasheed. CSK would want to rope in some domestic batters.

CSK would also want to sign an ace overseas fast bowler who can bowl well in the death overs. Having released Matheesha Pathirana from the squad, they would have to pick someone who can fill his boots.

3. Matheesha Pathirana

It was surprising to see CSK releasing Matheesha Pathirana after just one dismal season. The 22-year-old was retained for INR 13 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction. But he couldn't justify his price tag this season, picking up 13 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 10.14.

CSK are heading into the auction with the second-highest budget of INR 43.40 crore. However, there are not too many players available in the auction who can perform Pathirana's role in the death overs. The Men in Yellow will want to rope the right-arm speedster back into the side. However, they might have to dish out more than INR 13 crore for him.