5 CSK players who could be released before IPL 2027

The 2026 IPL season was a disappointing one for the Chennai Super Kings. The five-time champions struggled to perform well and finished eighth in the points table, missing the playoffs for the third straight season.

Injuries to key players, frequent changes in the playing XI, and poor performances from some players made the season even more difficult for CSK.

As the team starts preparing for IPL 2027, the management could make several changes to the squad. Releasing a few players would help the franchise build a stronger team and create more purse space for the next auction.

No official decisions have been announced yet, but based on last season's performances and limited opportunities, some players could be released before IPL 2027.

Here are five players Chennai Super Kings could release ahead of IPL 2027

5. Matthew Short

The fifth name on this list is Matthew Short. The Australian all-rounder joined Chennai Super Kings for ₹1.50 crore in the 2026 mini-auction but failed to make a strong impact during the season.

He played only three matches and scored 60 runs at an average of 20.00. His highest score was 34, while his strike rate of 117.64 was below expectations. With the ball, he bowled only 19 deliveries in two innings and did not take a wicket.

CSK expect their overseas players to perform consistently and make a big impact. After a disappointing 2026 season, Matthew Short could be released as the franchise looks for a more reliable overseas all-rounder ahead of IPL 2027.

4. Prashant Veer

Prashant Veer.

The fourth name on this list is Prashant Veer. Chennai Super Kings signed the left-arm bowling all-rounder for ₹14.2 crore, but he could not justify the big price tag during the 2026 season.

Prashant played six matches and scored 90 runs in five innings at an average of 45.00. His highest score was 43, and he had a strike rate of 134.32. However, he got very few chances with the ball, bowling only 12 deliveries in one innings without taking a wicket.

CSK expected more from such an expensive signing. Although he showed some promise with the bat, his overall impact was limited. The franchise could release Prashant Veer ahead of IPL 2027 and look for a more complete all-rounder.

3. Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar

The third name on this list is Rahul Chahar. Chennai Super Kings signed the leg-spinner for ₹5.20 crore to strengthen their spin attack, but he had very little opportunity to prove himself during the 2026 season.

Rahul played only one match in IPL 2026. He bowled four overs, conceded 46 runs, and did not take a wicket. He did not get a chance to bat, as CSK preferred the spin combination of Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein for most of the tournament.

With limited opportunities and strong competition for places, Rahul Chahar could be released ahead of IPL 2027. CSK may decide to reshape their spin department and invest in players who better fit their plans.

2. Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed

The second name on this list is Khaleel Ahmed. The left-arm fast bowler joined the Chennai Super Kings to strengthen their pace attack, but his IPL 2026 season was cut short because of an injury.

Khaleel played five matches and picked up only two wickets. He conceded 146 runs from 101 balls and finished with an economy rate of 8.67. His injury kept him out for the rest of the tournament, limiting his chances to make a bigger impact.

There have also been rumours that CSK could try to trade for Hardik Pandya from the Mumbai Indians, with Shivam Dube and Khaleel Ahmed reportedly being discussed as part of a possible deal. While nothing has been confirmed by either franchise, Khaleel could still be released or included in a trade if CSK decide to reshape their squad ahead of IPL 2027.

1. Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube

The top name on this list is Shivam Dube. The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder had an average IPL 2026 season and is now being linked with a possible trade ahead of IPL 2027.

Dube played 13 matches and scored 270 runs in 12 innings at an average of 38.57 and a strike rate of 158.82. His highest score was 47. He also bowled in four innings but picked up only one wicket. While he made useful contributions with the bat, he could not produce many match-winning performances during the season.

There are rumours that CSK are interested in signing Hardik Pandya from the Mumbai Indians. Reports suggest that Shivam Dube and Khaleel Ahmed could be part of a possible trade deal. Nothing has been confirmed by either franchise, but if the deal goes through, Dube could leave CSK ahead of IPL 2027 as the five-time champions look to strengthen their squad.

Notable Mention: Shreyas Gopal

Shreyas Gopal

Shreyas Gopal is another player who could be released by Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2027. The leg-spinner was signed for ₹30 lakh but did not get a single opportunity to play during the 2026 season.

With Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, and other spin options ahead of him, Gopal remained on the bench throughout the tournament. As a result, he was unable to make any impact or prove his value to the team.

CSK could look to free up a squad spot by releasing Shreyas Gopal before IPL 2027. With strong competition for places and the need to strengthen other areas of the squad, the franchise may decide to move in a different direction.

Chennai Super Kings will be looking to bounce back after another disappointing IPL season. The franchise is expected to review its squad carefully and make a few important changes before IPL 2027. Releasing underperforming players could help CSK create more purse space and build a stronger team.

While no official decisions have been announced, several players could be released based on their performances, fitness, and future role in the squad. With the next auction approaching, CSK will hope to find the right balance of experience and fresh talent as they aim to return to the playoffs and challenge for another IPL title.