IPL 2026: Top 3 Worst Releases by Chennai Super Kings in IPL History

Releasing players has always been part of the strategy in the Indian Premier League, but certain decisions end up hurting franchises more than expected. With auctions forcing teams to constantly reshape their squads, some exits later prove costly when those players go on to shine elsewhere.
Chennai Super Kings are widely regarded as one of the most successful and consistent teams in IPL history, thanks to their smart management and strong core over the years.

However, even a powerhouse like CSK has made a few calls that did not age well, especially when former players thrived after leaving the franchise. On that note, here is a look at the top three worst releases by CSK in IPL history.

1. Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood played a crucial role during his stint with CSK, bringing discipline, bounce, and wicket-taking threat with the new ball. He was especially valuable in the franchise’s triumphant 2021 campaign, where his accuracy added balance to the bowling attack.

However, CSK released the Australian quick, and he later became one of the most dependable pacers for other teams in the competition. Currently, he plays a pivotal role for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has had an instrumental hand in the team's first-ever IPL title in the 2025 edition.

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