CSK plan shock overhaul as MS Dhoni's IPL 2026 fate sealed; Sanju Samson, R Ashwin verdicts out
Published - 09 Aug 2025, 11:31 AM
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The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are gearing up for a major shakeup in the squad after a disappointing Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) campaign, as per TOI. They finished at the bottom of the points table despite MS Dhoni taking over the reins from the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad in the middle of the season.
While a fresh core featuring youngsters like Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and Dewald Brevis showed promise in the top order, the Chennai Super Kings are preparing to release several senior players to free up money for the upcoming IPL 2026 auction and bring in proven match-winners.
Chennai Super Kings plan massive squad overhaul after IPL 2025 disaster
One of the biggest names likely to be released is the former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was bought for INR 9.75 crore ahead of the previous season.
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There are also doubts over the future of players with the CSK like Devon Conway (INR 6.25 crore), Rachin Ravindra (INR 4 crore), Rahul Tripathi (INR 3.4 crore), Sam Curran (INR 2.4 crore), Gurjapneet Singh (INR 2.2 crore), Nathan Ellis (INR 2 crore), Deepak Hooda (INR 1.75 crore), Jamie Overton (INR 1.5 crore), and Vijay Shankar (INR 1.2 crore).
If they release these players ahead of the auction, CSK could free up around INR 34.45 crore, and with the additional auction purse, they might enter the bidding war with close to INR 40 crore. This would give them plenty of financial flexibility to target world-class match winners.
CSK aims to fix 3 problems at the IPL 2026 Auction
The CSK's biggest challenge in the IPL 2025 was a shortage of firepower in both the top and middle order. So, the main focus for CSK in the auction will be to fix three problem areas: signing a big-hitting opener to set the tone at the top of the order, securing a strong Indian middle-order batter who can dominate in high-pressure situations, and bringing in a high-quality all-rounder who can significantly contribute in both departments to balance the side.
With big money to spend and a clear plan in mind, the Chennai Super Kings franchise is aiming to build a squad that can bounce back strongly in IPL 2026.
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CSK eye Sanju Samson but faces 'Cash-Only' option; MS Dhoni likely to play another IPL 2025 season
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, who is likely to leave Rajasthan Royals, has caught the attention of Chennai Super Kings. The franchise is interested in adding Samson to their squad, but getting him before the auction won’t be easy. CSK is reportedly not willing to trade any of their star players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, or Shivam Dube.
The only way Samson could join CSK before the auction is through a ‘cash-only’ deal, which means Rajasthan Royals would have to agree to sell him without taking any player in return. Such deals are rare and would require a lot of negotiation. It is uncertain if the friendly ties between CSK’s owners and Rajasthan Royals’ head coach Rahul Dravid could help in making it happen.
If the move for Samson doesn’t work out, CSK is expected to look at the auction for strong all-round options, with names like Cameron Green, and Ben Stokes on their radar. On the other hand, MS Dhoni has given no sign that he will not turn up in the IPL 2026. Despite a tough 2025 campaign, CSK expects their former captain to play for at least one more year.
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