IPL: 3 CSK players who may find a new team in IPL 2026

Early in the 2025 Indian Premier League, the Chennai Super Kings were eliminated from the playoffs. After their tenth league game, they were eliminated, and for the first time in two years, CSK will not be participating in the playoffs. 

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But when it comes to IPL 2026 preparations, the five-time champions appear to be ahead of everyone. They might have already started to prepare for the next season.

Here are three players whom the team may release.

1. Vijay Shankar

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One player who hasn't had a particularly successful IPL season thus far is Vijay Shankar. The CSK management trusted him to bat in the middle overs despite his subpar performances. He was not allowed to play at first, but when he did, he did not save the team. 

Shankar has only managed one half-century in five innings of play. Despite scoring 118 runs at an average of 39.33, he only managed a strike rate of 129, therefore, it wasn't a particularly impactful season for him.

2. Rahul Tripathi

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By acquiring Rahul Tripathi for this season, the Super Kings committed yet another error at the auction table. Before being dropped, he and Rachin Ravindra began the innings in the first few games. It didn't work at all, though, when the management summoned him back to take Ruturaj Gaikwad's spot at number three.

In five games, the player has only amassed 55 runs at an average of 11. These numbers are heartbreaking for a top-order batter. With younger players like Mhatre, the management has begun to search for a better opener and No. 3 batter.

3. Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra, a young Kiwi batsman, has been more of a liability than a help to the CSK squad. In 10 games during his IPL 2024 debut, he scored 222 runs at an average of 22.20. But the 25-year-old didn't give the team the kind of start they needed at that moment. 

This season was no different. He only made 191 runs at an average of 27.28 in eight games, which is a very poor total for an opener. His poor performance left the team in disarray. For the next season, the Super Kings should therefore move on and invest in an even better player.

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