Chennai Super Kings have made some of the biggest and boldest changes ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise has moved away from a few long-time players, added a key name through trade, and now enter the auction with a very clear plan. With MS Dhoni almost certain to play his last season, CSK are building a new core that can serve them for the next few years. Here is a full look at their major moves and what their auction strategy could be. Sanju Samson Trade: CSK's Long-Term Plan After MS Dhoni The biggest move of CSK has been bringing in Sanju Samson through a trade. Though many saw it as a straight exchange for Ravindra Jadeja, the idea behind this trade goes deeper. Dhoni is 44 and is expected to retire after IPL 2026. CSK needed someone who can take charge behind the stumps, stay calm under pressure, and lead the team for years. Samson fits this role better than anyone available in Indian cricket today. Samson strengthens the batting and brings captaincy experience as well. He has led Rajasthan Royals for many seasons and knows how to handle young and senior players. CSK want stability in this transition phase, and Samson gives them exactly that. But in doing so, they lost Jadeja and Sam Curran, two influential players in CSK's successes. Jadeja was an influential player with bat and ball, while Curran provided the much-needed lower-order power along with some very useful overs. Their departure leaves CSK needing to plug those holes in the auction. Also Read | IPL 2026: Why Arjun Tendulkar May Shine at LSG After MI Exit Why CSK Released Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway The two other surprising picks in the list were Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, both of whom had good numbers for CSK over the years. While Rachin scored 413 runs in 18 innings at a strong strike rate, Conway made over 1000 runs for the franchise. But both struggled last season, which saw very good performances from young players Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel at the top. The two gave CSK a long-term hope as top-order batters that was full of promise, thus allowing the team to release the two New Zealand batters. Still, CSK may try to bring at least one of them back at a lower price in the auction. Main Needs of CSK for the IPL 2026 Auction With Jadeja and Ashwin out of the side, CSK need a quality spinner who could manage the Chepauk conditions. Chepauk always assists in spinning bowling, so this will be one of their main targets. They might look again at Maheesh Theekshana who picked up 25 wickets across three seasons he played for CSK in the past. Another important area will be a pace-bowling all-rounder. The release of Sam Curran and the surprise exit of Matheesha Pathirana mean that CSK need a strong all-round option who can bat in the lower order and bowl key overs. Surprisingly, the release of Pathirana might well be a ploy to buy him back at a cheaper amount after freeing ₹13 crore. Moreover, the franchise will look for a finisher and there won't be any surprise if the side goes after players like Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell or Andre Russell. Also Read | Is Cameron Green Set for a Big IPL 2026 Bid? & Why KKR Fit Best? CSK's Retentions and Auction Budget CSK have retained 16 players and will go into the auction with a strong purse of ₹43.4 crore. They have 9 slots available, including four overseas spots. Players Released: Ravindra Jadeja (trade), Sam Curran (trade), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Matheesha Pathirana, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and others. Retained Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, and others. Traded In: Sanju Samson. Conclusion CSK are into a new era. Their moves clearly indicate a long-term plan beyond Dhoni's retirement. With a big auction budget and a strong core, their main areas of focus will be finding a top spinner, a pace all-rounder and probably bringing back one of their New Zealand stars. IPL 2026 could mark the beginning of CSK's next winning cycle.