Numerous surprising moves ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction — Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Andre Russell and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) parted ways with Ravindra Jadeja. Both of the teams will try to sign in all-rounders from the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction. Jadeja joined Rajasthan Royals, but where will Russell join?

According to speculations, CSK can bid for the West Indian all-rounder. It will make sense if they go for the pace bowling all-rounder. Chennai Super Kings has the tendency to cash in for experienced, proven players; Russell will fit in the bracket. The all-rounder has cemented his legacy as a globetrotting, prolific T20 cricketer. He is among the lower middle-order batters, who can smash the ball hard in any part of the park. Ahead of the new season, CSK released pace bowling all-rounder Sam Curran and Vijay Shankar, and they have the opportunity to bid for 4 overseas players. If they wish to bid for a pace bowling all-rounder who can make an impact on the field from the middle or lower-middle order, then they can think about Russell.

Though, as of now, there are no official confirmations about CSK's interest in him. The Jamaica-born was a core member of Kolkata Knight Riders for years. From IPL 2014 to IPL 2025, Russell was with KKR. Now, he will try his luck in the auction.  

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CSK to bid for Andre Russell?

CSK Released Players: Ravindra Jadeja (traded to Rajasthan Royals), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Sam Curran (traded to Rajasthan Royals), Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Matheesha Pathirana, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, and Andre Siddarth.

CSK Retained Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, M.S. Dhoni, Sanju Samson (traded from Rajasthan Royals), Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, and Nathan Ellis.

Purse remaining: Rs. 43.40 crore

Slots left: 9 (4 overseas)