Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have always valued continuity, trust, and a strong dressing room atmosphere. Supporters usually focus on who will stay rather than who will arrive, and the discussion of CSK retained players brings both excitement and curiosity, with the Highest Score in IPL.
The franchise backs players through form dips and allows them to grow without pressure. This approach creates confidence in the dressing room, and players know the team will support them when challenges come. MS Dhoni’s leadership all throughout these years have shaped this culture.
He has kept strategies simple and focused on calm decision-making in tense moments. The team also values experience, which helps them handle big games without panic. The home advantage at the Chepauk adds strength, as they understand the conditions better than most sides. They have won the title five times so far.
The franchise backs experience and develops young cricketers who show composure under pressure. With the next mega auction approaching, the focus shifts to players who can form the backbone of the side for the 2026 season and beyond. Here is a clear look at those who can realistically stay and why they matter.
CSK Retained Players 2026 Team List
MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper):
MS Dhoni remains the calm voice in the CSK camp. Age has reduced his batting workload, but his influence still stays strong. Last season, he stepped into a leadership role when the team needed direction, and his guidance carried the team yet again.
Dhoni supports players in tense moments and keeps the environment steady. His presence influences decisions on and off the field. The team still builds around his experience, even if he plays less.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
Ruturaj Gaikwad took over the captaincy with composure. He reads situations well and plays with clarity, especially in run chases. The opener’s consistent run-scoring in recent seasons demonstrates reliability, and the squad benefits from a long-term leader who connects well with younger players. Although injury ended his 2025 season early, he still should hold onto his role. The franchise likely views him as the anchor of the batting lineup and also as a leader.
Ravindra Jadeja (all-rounder):
Ravindra Jadeja contributes in all three areas of the game. He plays useful innings in the middle order, bowls important overs, and fields with sharp awareness. The all-rounder’s experience helps CSK manage the balance of the team. Even in difficult situations, Jadeja continues to influence games through wickets or key runs. If CSK go on to retain him, they will maintain tactical stability and senior leadership.
Shivam Dube (all-rounder):
Shivam Dube adds power in the middle order. He clears boundaries with ease and shifts momentum when needed. He also bowls when required. As an Indian all-rounder, Dube will fit the team balance smoothly without occupying an overseas slot. The all-rounder’s recent performances have also shown his confidence levels, and if CSK go on to retain him, they will maintain their strength in the middle overs.
Rachin Ravindra (all-rounder):
Rachin Ravindra plays multiple roles across the batting order, controls overs with spin, and fields well. CSK backed his talent early, and that decision continues to look positive. His age also gives long-term value and flexibility. If CSK keep the Kiwi batter, then he will provide them with a developing player who can grow into a central contributor.
Matheesha Pathirana (Fast Bowler):
Matheesha Pathirana bowls with a slingy action that makes his pace difficult to pick. He performs strongly in the death overs, where wickets decide outcomes. Many batters still struggle to read his release point. If CSK go on to keep him, it will secure them a strong death-overs specialist. The Sri Lankan pacer will gain maturity with more matches under his belt.
Khaleel Ahmed (Fast Bowler):
Khaleel Ahmed brings left-arm pace and swing with the new ball. He tests opening batters consistently. Moreover, his international exposure will give the team more flexibility. Khaleel’s accuracy under pressure has improved, and if CSK retain him, then he will add variation and protect overseas slot balance.
Noor Ahmad (Spinner):
Norr Ahmad bowls left-arm spin with control and maturity even at this age. He adjusts his lengths well and maintains pressure in the middle overs. Left-arm chinaman holds special value in T20 cricket. If CSK go on to retain him, they will ensure that their team carries solid spin depth as they prepare for retained players in 2026.
Anshul Kambol (Fast Bowler):
Anshul Kamboj bowls with a proper rhythm and has also displayed consistency in his short stint. CSK believe in developing young talent, and he properly fits that idea. If the franchise retains him, they will support long-term pace development and allow him to learn from senior bowlers.
Dewald Brevis (Batter):
Dewald Brevis attacks bowlers with confidence and a wide range of shots. The Proteas youngster plays with exquisite timing, which is the hallmark of the potential that he has. He is still learning match awareness, but CSK can shape his development with more game time. If they go on to retain him, then they will secure him a batting pillar.
Ayush Mhatre (Batter):
Ayush Mhatre has displayed fluency and confidence with his batting ability when given opportunities. He plays well against both pace and spin. If Chennai Super Kings retain him, they will ensure a promising young Indian opener who can grow into a regular starter for their team.
Urvil Patel (Wicketkeeper-batter):
Urvil Patel offers wicketkeeping depth and aggressive batting. He can open and score quickly early in the innings. If CSK do retain Urvil, they will strengthen both batting flexibility and backup plans behind the stumps.
Shaik Rasheed (Batter):
Shaik Rasheed brings composure to either the top or middle order. He adjusts his game to match the situation. If CSK keep Rasheed, then it will support long-term batting depth and stability.
Vansh Bedi (Wicketkeeper):
Vansh Bedi continues improving his wicketkeeping and batting. CSK value steady development in young players, and keeping him will build future strength in the wicketkeeping role.
Andre Siddharth (All-Rounder):
Andre Siddharth contributes with bat and ball. He still remains early in his development, but has displayed his clear potential. CSK will build depth in the all-round category by retaining Andre.
Ramakrishna Ghosh (All-Rounder):
Ramakrishna Ghosh bowls medium pace and adds handy late-order runs. His experience will strengthen the squad depth and provide CSK with yet another steady multi-role option.
Also Read: Why CSK Banned For 2 Years?
Why does this core matter?
The group has senior presence, all-round skill, domestic batting depth and bowling specialists. As CSK plan for 2026, they will benefit from players who already understand the team’s culture and approach.
Final Take:
Choosing CSK retained players requires clarity about identity and plans. Chennai have relied on trust and continuity for years, and this group reflects that direction. As fans look forward, the focus will stay on growth and steady leadership. Which players do you believe should stay no matter what? Share your thoughts as the 2026 season build-up continues.
