3 players CSK shouldn't release ahead of IPL 2026 despite recent poor returns ft. Rachin Ravindra

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have some decisions to make ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline. The Men in Yellow have been one of the most active teams in the off-season, with rumors of multiple trades doing the rounds.

CSK have been linked with Sanju Samson in recent times, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran reportedly headed in the other direction. Chennai have also been linked to the likes of Washington Sundar, with Ravichandran Ashwin having announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket.

Amid so many changes, some stability would go a long way for the five-time champions. Even though some players haven't done particularly well for them in recent times, they must be backed through the ongoing transition.

CSK's squad for IPL 2025: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, Shaik Rasheed, Deepak Hooda, Andre Siddarth, Devon Conway, MS Dhoni, Vansh Bedi, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, R Ashwin, Sam Curran, Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar, Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Shreyas Gopal, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Ayush Mhatre (r), Dewald Brevis (r), Urvil Patel (r).

On that note, here are three players CSK shouldn't release ahead of IPL 2026 despite their recent poor returns.

#3 Vijay Shankar

2025 IPL - Lucknow Super Giants v Chennai Super Kings - Source: Getty

CSK's batting unit constantly misfired in IPL 2025, and the likes of Deepak Hooda and Rahul Tripathi might be on their way out. Amid that change, it might be smart for the Super Kings to retain some local flavor in the form of the experienced Vijay Shankar.

Shankar couldn't find his rhythm either, with a season strike rate of 129.79. However, he was one of the few batters to even stay at the crease, as evidenced by his average touching 40. The all-rounder also managed a high score of 69* during the season and was a willing substitute fielder.

Shankar has been in good form in domestic cricket, and even if his last campaign wasn't his best, there's enough reason to believe that better performances might be on the horizon.

#2 Jamie Overton

In the three matches he played in IPL 2025, Jamie Overton scored 15 runs and picked up zero wickets while going at an economy rate of 13.83. Things went perhaps as poorly as they could have, although the fact that he was used in an unfamiliar new-ball role didn't help matters.

Overton, however, must be retained by CSK ahead of the deadline. The Englishman has done decently well in other white-ball competitions lately, and following rumors of Curran leaving, the Men in Yellow desperately need some quality fast-bowling all-rounder options.

If used in the right role, Overton could turn out to be a genuine match-winner for the Super Kings.

#1 Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra is one of the most exciting talents in world cricket, but he hasn't found his range in the shortest format just yet. The left-hander managed just 191 runs in eight matches in IPL 2025 at an average of 27.29 and a strike rate of 128.19.

Ravindra might be available for a cheaper amount at the auction, but CSK shouldn't take that risk. The Kiwi will definitely work on his issues and soon fulfill his potential, with his best years ahead of him. Jadeja's departure could also mean that he is needed with the ball, especially in home conditions.

Get real-time updates on IPL 2025, live scores, IPL Prediction, match schedule, points table,Result & squad -CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS

Edited by Sai Krishna