CSK Shakeup: Pathirana, Conway, Rachin Among Major IPL 2026 Releases

Chennai Super Kings have made significant changes to their squad ahead of IPL 2026. The franchise released 12 players including key names like Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra. In a major trade move, they acquired Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals while letting go of Ravindra Jadeja. The team has retained core players including MS Dhoni and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad while building for the future with young talents.

Key Points: CSK Release Pathirana Conway Rachin Ahead IPL 2026 Auction

  • CSK releases 12 players including star performers Pathirana and Conway
  • Ravindra Jadeja traded to Rajasthan Royals in major move
  • Sanju Samson joins CSK through trade from Rajasthan Royals
  • Young talents Ayush Mhatre and Anshul Kamboj retained for future
  • MS Dhoni and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad continue with franchise
  • Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi released after disappointing performances
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IPL 2026: Pathirana, Conway, Rachin among major names released by CSK

Chennai Super Kings release 12 players including Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra while retaining MS Dhoni and trading for Sanju Samson.

"Another surprise was Matheesha Pathirana, as the Sri Lankan pace sensation was released by the five-time champions. - Article"

New Delhi, Nov 15

Chennai Super Kings have released 12 players, including two through trades, from their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 auction. While Ravindra Jadeja’s trade to Rajasthan Royals grabbed attention on Saturday morning, the franchise also let go of the Kiwi duo Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway in a significant move.

Another surprise was Matheesha Pathirana, as the Sri Lankan pace sensation was released by the five-time champions. Having signed Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, and Vijay Shankar at the previous auction, the trio failed to make an impact and were consequently released.

Among the players retained are former franchise captain MS Dhoni and current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. A major addition to the team is Sanju Samson, who was traded in from Rajasthan Royals.

Moreover, Shivam Dube, who has been rising through the ranks after his all-round performances for Team India in the white-ball format, will continue to represent the Men in Yellow. Noor Ahmad, who was among the leading wicket-takers for the franchise last year, and Khallel Ahmed, who left an impact with his bowling in the powerplay the previous season, have been retained.

Ayush Mhatre, the young opening batter who put up some terrific performances for CSK in the 2025 season despite the team finishing last, has found a place in the team for the 2026 season.

Anshul Kamboj, the bowling all-rounder who recently put up some impressive performances in red-ball format for India A against South Africa A, has also been retained as the team looks to build a futuristic squad.

Retained: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjanpreet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary

Released: Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddharth, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Matheesha Pathirana

Traded In: Sanju Samson (from RR)

Traded out: Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Finally some good news! Sanju Samson in CSK is going to be amazing 🤩 He's been consistent for RR and will bring that stability to our middle order. Good decision by management!
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Arjun K
Retaining Ayush Mhatre is smart thinking. He showed great potential last season even when the team was struggling. Building for the future while keeping Thala Dhoni for experience - perfect balance!
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Sarah B
As someone who follows IPL closely, I think CSK is making a mistake letting go of Rachin Ravindra. He's young and has shown flashes of brilliance. Hope they don't regret this decision later.
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Vikram M
Hooda, Tripathi, Vijay Shankar - all three were expensive buys who didn't perform. Good that CSK is cutting their losses early. Need to be more careful at the auction this time!
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Michael C
Keeping Dhoni for another season is the best news! Even if he plays fewer matches, his presence in the dressing room is invaluable for young players like Mhatre and Kamboj.
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Ananya R
Happy to see Shivam Dube retained! He's been phenomenal for India and brings that power-hitting we need. Hope he gets more opportunities to bowl too. CSK forever! 💛

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