Suresh Raina’s retention blueprint for CSK for the IPL 2026
During a “Hold or fold” segment on Star Sports, CSK legend Suresh Raina gave his final verdict on the franchise’s retention strategy ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, outlining a clear plan that involves backing the core and releasing several others. When asked Devon ConwayRaina immediately said: “Fold,” stating that the team should release him because “they should have a local opener” and in the upcoming mini-auction they can find a good replacement. However, he was determined to hold on Noor Ahmedgive him one “Delay” because “They have a unique player in him, who bowls Chinese,” adding that the demand for “mystery spinners” is very high.
Raina then advocated clearing out underperformers Vijay Shankar should be released: “Again, I think they should do that, they should release him,” noting that he has already done so “got quite a few chances.” He shared the same sentiment Deepak Hoodastating, “We have to release them.” because they are part of a “same combination” that doesn’t work.
When the host called Ravindra JadejaRaina turned around first MS Dhonisaying: “अगेन appeal to MS” but firmly adding: “I think if he plays this year, his presence in the team will be very important,” which strongly implies that Dhoni should be retained. He then confirmed Ruturaj Gaikwad as the future and said, “रितुराज कप्तान होंगे (Ruturaj will be the captain), they should keep him.” Finally, when Raina pressed Jadeja again, she was unequivocal and put an end to all trade rumors by stating“And… They should keep him again,” calling him a “weapon player for CSK” who has “done very, very well,” concluding emphatically: “Sir Ravindra Jadeja should be there.”
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CSK’s historic IPL 2025 will be under Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni
CSK’s 2025 IPL campaign proved to be a catastrophic and historically disappointing season for the five-time champions, culminating in their worst ever result since the inception of the tournament. After the season started with a transition in leadership, the team was named Travel Giikwad as captain, remaining their strategic core alongside Dhoni and Jadeja.
However, the season quickly fell apart. Midway through the tournament, Gaikwad suffered a serious setback after sustaining an elbow injury, a hairline fracture, which ruled him out of the rest of the IPL. This unforeseen injury forced the iconic Dhoni to take charge of the captaincy once again, a return necessitated by crisis rather than design. Unfortunately, even the tactical wizardry and experience of the Ranchi legend could not stop the unprecedented decline.
The team managed just four wins from 14 matches, leaving the franchise to finish in 10th place, at the very bottom of the points table, for the first time in their storied IPL history. To add to the shame, CSK also lost five matches at their fortress, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, marking a new low for performances on home turf. This collective failure underlines the massive rebuild the team is facing ahead of the 2026 auction, and confirms Raina’s concern that the all-important old guard must be retained to steady the ship.
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