The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have some considerations to make before the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) retention deadline. The Men in Yellow have been one of the more active teams this offseason, with speculations of several moves circulating.
CSK has recently been linked with Sanju Samson, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran are apparently looking elsewhere. Chennai have also been linked with Washington Sundar, while Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket.
With so many changes, the five-time champs may benefit from some consistency. Even though some players haven’t performed exceptionally well in previous years, they must be supported during the transition period.
On that topic, here are three players who CSK should not discharge before of the IPL 2026, despite their recent bad performances.
3. Vijay Shankar
Chennai Super Kings struggled with their batting lineup in IPL 2025, and several players like Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda might be released ahead of the auction. In such a situation, retaining Vijay Shankar could be a smart move. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder adds local balance and experience to the squad. Despite not having a standout season, he showed consistency by averaging close to 40 — one of the few CSK batters who managed to stay at the crease when others failed.
Shankar ended the season with a strike rate of 129.79 and a top score of 69*. His domestic form has been promising lately, and he brings flexibility as both a middle-order batter and a part-time bowler. Keeping him in the squad would provide stability and allow CSK to maintain some home-grown strength as they rebuild their batting core.
2. Jamie Overton
Jamie Overton’s IPL 2025 campaign didn’t go as planned. He played three matches, scored only 15 runs, and went wicketless while conceding heavily with an economy rate of 13.83. However, the English all-rounder was used out of position with the new ball, which affected his rhythm. Despite those numbers, Overton’s recent form in other T20 leagues has been encouraging, showing that he has the skill set to succeed if utilized properly.
With reports suggesting Sam Curran might leave, CSK will need a fast-bowling all-rounder to balance the side. Overton fits that profile perfectly and could deliver strong performances with both bat and ball if given a defined role. Retaining him gives CSK an experienced overseas option who can be groomed for key moments next season.
1. Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra is one of the brightest young talents in world cricket, but his IPL 2025 performance didn’t reflect his full potential. The left-hander managed 191 runs in eight matches with a strike rate of 128.19. While the numbers don’t stand out, his technique, temperament, and adaptability make him a valuable long-term asset. At just 25, Ravindra still has plenty of room to grow and improve his T20 game.
CSK should retain him instead of risking his release for a cheaper buyback. With Ravindra Jadeja reportedly leaving, Ravindra’s left-arm spin and middle-order batting become even more crucial for balance. His versatility as an all-rounder will be key, especially in Chennai’s spin-friendly conditions, where he can contribute in both departments and develop into a dependable match-winner.
