Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
It has been almost two months since the end of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the franchise have already started preparations for the next edition in 2026. Now, the franchises will be looking to make a few changes in their squad before coming up in the IPL auction and releasing some of their star players. One of the teams to look out for ahead of IPL 2026 will be Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
The five-time champions had a season to forget this year as this was the first time in IPL history that CSK finished last at the points table after the league stage. There were many promising names in the CSK squad but failed to live up to the expectations. Now, CSK will be looking to release some of their key players, especially overseas and form a balanced squad in the IPL 2026 auction. In the following listicle, we will have a
Here's a look at three probable overseas players from CSK who are likely to move to a different franchise ahead of IPL 2026:
Matheesa Pathirana could be traded to Mumbai Indians
Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana made his IPL debut with CSK in 2022. Since then, he has been a crucial player for the franchise and has been a constant performer throughout the years. He also had a decent season in IPL 2025 where he scalped 13 wickets in 12 matches. However, Pathirana went on to concede runs at an economy rate of 10.13 and failed to take wickets at big moments. There is a possibility that CSK can trade him ahead of IPL 2026 auction.
If CSK decide to trade Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL auction, the one franchise which could go for him could be Mumbai Indians. The five-time champions MI are known for investing in young talents and inclusion of Pathirana can strengthen their fast bowling line-up with players like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar already in the squad.
Sam Curran could be traded to Lucknow Super Giants.
Sam Curran made his return to CSK after four years in IPL 2025 after the franchise bought him for INR 2.40 Crore in the mega auction. However, it didn’t turn out to be a great season for Curran as he scored 114 runs from five matches and took only one scalp with the ball. It is likely that CSK may trade Curran ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.The one team which could go for Sam Curran if CSK decide to trade him could be Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
In IPL 2025, LSG had a star studded batting line-up in the top order with the likes of Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran who showed consistent performance throughout the tournament. However, the LSG middle-order couldn’t live up to the expectations and failed to play big knocks. Now, LSG, who missed a playoffs spot in IPL 2025, will be looking to find a stable batter in the middle-order and might go for Sam Curran if CSK trade him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Curran’s inclusion in the squad will provide strength to LSG’s middle-order. Apart from that he can also bowl full four overs while bowling.
Rachin Ravindra could be traded to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Star New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra has been part of Chennai Super Kings since IPL 2023. In his first season with CSK in 2024, Rachin was impressive where he amassed 222 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 160.86. However, he couldn’t continue his form in IPL 2025 where he scored 191 runs from eight matches. He can be among the first players which CSK can release ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
One of the teams which could go for Rachin Ravindra ahead of IPL 2026 could be Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Coming as defending champions in IPL 2026, RCB can include Rachin in their squad which will provide more strength to their batting lineup. The left-hander can open the innings with Phil Salt while Virat Kohli can back batting at number three. Along with this, Rachin can also come as handy spin bowler who can bowl a couple of overs.
