CSK Playing XI for IPL 2026 After Retention List

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a festival that brings together excitement, emotion, and endless talent on one stage. As fans gear up for another thrilling season, all eyes are on how teams are gearing up ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Chennai Super Kings is one of the best IPL teams, and they are also the most beloved franchise. Once again, CSK has made headlines with their player retention. This team has been known for their loyalty and smart decision-making. CSK has always backed their player, even when they didn't perform well.

The loyalty is also paid back by the retained players as they performed well in the big matches, like the Qualifiers and Final. In this article, we will find out the CSK retention list ahead of IPL 2026 auction and what could be the potential CSK playing 11 for IPL 2026.

CSK Retention List

CSK retention list ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 auction will tell the story of their last year's performance. This team is known for its consistency, whether selecting the playing 11 or retaining its core members. As the team finished in last position during the IPL 2025, this has forced management to take some bold decisions ahead of the auction.

The franchise will keep its experienced core, with Ruturaj Gaikwad in the leading position, MS Dhoni continuing as wicket-keeper, and key players like Shivam Dube leading the all-round department, where Ravindra Jadeja will be traded to Rajasthan Royals (RR) along with Sam Curran.

Young, talented players such as Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, and Dewald Brevis will also most likely be retained. Last year's star bowlers Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed, and Noor Ahmad will also going to be part of the CSK IPL 2026 squad.

CSK Playing 11 For IPL 2026

Even before the auction, CSK playing 11 for IPL 2026 is looking impressive. The middle order was the main area of concern for this team last year, which eventually got resolved after their injury replacements, like Dewald Brevis and Urvil Patel. CSK's skipper will be back, and most probably, he will open the innings with the Indian U-19 captain, Ayush Mhatre.

The trade of Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja is confirmed, where CSK is roping Samson in the playing XI, which will help the team to look more stable and give a reliable wicket-keeping skipper option in the future of the league.

Urvil Patel has also shown some sparks in his 3 innings for CSK last year; he scored runs at a strike rate of 212.50; however, the sample size is small, but the intent looked good. One of the best IPL batsmen, Dewald Brevis, will continue at the 4th position. He is also one of the best injury replacements in the history of IPL.

All-rounder Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni are likely to be in the finishing role for the next edition. CSK's bowling line-up is also looking complete with bowlers like Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, and Matheesha Pathirana, not to forget there will also be one impact player, and CSK will be looking for that player during the IPL 2026 auction.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (WK), Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana.