“Nine team play IPL to meet Chennai Super Kings in the final” was once a famous quote among fans for the five-time champions. However, things have completely changed now, as CSK have failed to qualify for the playoffs in three of the last four seasons despite winning titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
CSK, who looked good on paper ahead of IPL 2026, endured a disappointing campaign this season as they are currently sitting in seventh spot with 12 points in 6 matches.
Chennai was popularly known as the “Daddy’s army”, but this season the management completely revamped the squad and invested money in youngsters. The young team, however, failed to do what the senior squad achieved.
CSK was also hit by multiple injury concerns, which disrupted the franchise’s season throughout. Several key players, including MS Dhoni, Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton, and Khaleel Ahmed, were ruled out for the entire season. The injury list kept increasing as the tournament concluded for them.
CSK’s management will aim to bounce back strongly next season, and fans might see multiple changes in the squad. Let’s dive into this story and find out about the three players CSK might release.
Players CSK might release after disappointing IPL season
1. Prashant Veer
CSK invested a massive amount in Prashant Veer during the IPL 2026 auction, but he failed to justify his price tag. Prashant Veer, who was acquired for Rs 14. 20 crore was reportedly looked at as a replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, but the young all-rounder failed to impress this season.
The 20-year-old played a total of six matches this season and scored just 90 runs at an average of 45.00 and a strike rate of 134.33, while he failed to pick a single wicket. CSK might release him to increase their IP 2026 auction purse.
2. Sarfaraz Khan
Ahead of IPL 2026, Sarfaraz Khan’s inclusion in the CSK squad became a major talking point. He showcased an impressive performance as the tournament started, but his form saw a dip, and Kartik Sharma and Urvil Patel replaced him.
CSK acquired Sarfaraz for Rs 75 Lakh, but he failed to show any positive results as the tournament unfolded. Sarfaraz played a total of eight matches and scored 161 runs at an average of 21.31 and a strike rate of 136.38, which also included 2 half-centuries.
3. Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube has been a key middle-order asset for Chennai Super Kings. However, in the 19th season of the IPL, Dube’s dip in form became a major concern for the franchise as he failed to give the finishing touch with his bat.
Dube scored a total of 13 matches and amassed 270 runs at a strike rate of 158.82, while his highest score came against the Gujarat Titans, but it was too late as his team got eliminated from the playoff race.
Also Read: GT vs CSK, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans Crush Chennai Super Kings To Seal Top-Two Finish
