A deadline of November 15 has been set for this. Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The player retention list is being revealed, leading to high-stakes drama in the offseason and speculation involving some of the league’s biggest names. The focus is completely on Chennai Super Kings (CSK)Who are heading towards a disastrous conclusion to the 2025 season and the impending retirement of their iconic leader, MS Dhoni. This has ignited a complex web of trade rumours, most notably a blockbuster swap deal with Rajasthan Royals. Amidst this uncertainty, the franchise legend Suresh Raina A strong opinion has been formed on who should be retained. The decisions taken over the next few days will define the future of the five-time champions and their rivals.
Suresh Raina’s retention blueprint for CSK for IPL 2026
during a “Hold or Fold” Star Sports, segment on CSK Legends Suresh Raina Gave his definitive verdict on the franchise’s retention strategy ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, outlining a clear plan that includes supporting the core while releasing many others. When asked about devon conwayRaina immediately said, “fold,” Saying that the team should release him because “They have to have a local opener” And he might get a good replacement in the upcoming mini-auction. However, he was adamant on maintaining Noor Ahmedgiving him one “Catch” Because “They have a unique player who bowls chinaman bowling,” He further said that the demand for “mystery spinners” is very high.
After this, Raina advocated ousting the poor performers and said Vijay Shankar Should be released: “Again I think they should release ’em (Again, I think they should do that, they should release him),” noting that he has already “Got a lot of chances.” He shared this sentiment Deepak Hoodaby stating, “We should release them.” Because they are part of a “similar combination” that is not working.
when the host named Ravindra JadejaRaina was the first to indicate ms dhoniSaying, “Call again on MS,” but adding firmly, “I think his presence with the team is very important if he is going to play this year,” This strongly means that Dhoni should be retained. He then confirmed the future of Ruturaj Gaikwad, saying, “Rituraj will be the captain (Ruturaj will be the captain), they should retain him.” Finally, when pressed again on Jadeja, Raina spoke clearly, and put an end to all the trade rumors by declaring“Jadeja… they should keep him again,” called him “the gun player for CSK” who has “done really, really well,” concluding emphatically, “Sir Ravindra Jadeja should be there.”
CSK’s historic IPL 2025 under Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni
CSK’s 2025 IPL campaign proved to be a disastrous and historically disappointing season for the five-time champions, culminating in their worst-ever performance since the inception of the tournament. Starting the season with a change in leadership, the team appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad As captain, he was retained along with Dhoni and Jadeja as his strategic core.
However, the season quickly unraveled. Midway through the tournament, Gaikwad suffered a serious setback after suffering an elbow injury., He was ruled out of the rest of the IPL due to a hairline fracture. This unexpected injury forced the iconic Dhoni to once again take up the captaincy reins, a return necessitated by crisis rather than plan. Unfortunately, even the tactical wizardry and experience of the Ranchi legend could not stop the unprecedented collapse.
The team managed only four wins from 14 matches, leaving the franchise at the bottom of the points table, in 10th position, for the first time in its prestigious IPL history. Infamously, CSK also lost five matches in their stronghold, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a new low in performance on home soil. This collective failure underlines the massive rebuilding of the team ahead of the 2026 auction, validating Raina’s concern that the old guard, so crucial to steadying the ship, must be retained.
Also read: Chennai Super Kings: CSK may retain 5 Indian players before IPL 2026 auction
