The IPL retention day on November 15 was packed with surprises and shocks. Generally, franchises tend to be conservative ahead of mini-auctions but this time, most teams were on a releasing spree, headed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. Not surprisingly, these two teams have the biggest purse balance for the mini-auction.
Andre Russell's release was the biggest shock of the day, much like Ravindra Jadeja's exit from CSK but the latter was at least a trade deal for the five-time champions. In Russell's case, KKR parting with one of their biggest matchwinners was a development nobody saw coming. Sources close to the KKR camp say that the decision was mutual and in fact, Russell took the initiative in this release.
Understandably, Russell is the hottest name in the IPL 2026 mini auction alongside other all-rounders like Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone and Glenn Maxwell. The West Indian, though, would be the top target for two teams with the most purse - KKR themselves followed by CSK but since Russell initiated his release, it is unlikely that the Knight Riders would go for him.
That means that the Super Kings stand the biggest chance of getting Russell at the mini-auction that is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16. There have also been unconfirmed speculations of CSK approaching Russell directly for a cash trade deal but that didn't materialise.
Another of the surprising releases by the Chennai franchise was Matheesha Pathirana and reports suggest that this move was done not just due to the Sri Lankan's poor form in IPL 2025. While CSK intend to buy back Pathirana at the auctions, the fact that they have gotten a boost of Rs 13 crore with his release means that they can have enough ammunition to seize Russell at the mini-auction.
With Jadeja's exit and Dhoni's decline, CSK does need a powerhitter in the lower middle order, someone who can down pace with raw power. Dewald Brevis has given them a monstrous boost already but the South African's skill set is best used in the middle overs of the innings. Apart from Russell, there is also an option of Cameron Green although the latter hasn't yet conquered the format like his West Indian counterpart.
However, SunRisers Hyderabad are reportedly interested in Green due to skipper Pat Cummins' insistence. Also, Green's profile isn't of a finisher and that is where Russell has the edge from a CSK point of view. Liam Livingstone is another profile that could be suited, given his finishing ability and useful part-time spin, as would Maxwell but neither of the two has proven IPL caliber like Russell.
Everything points towards Russell donning the CSK shirt in IPL 2026, especially with Dhoni's camp intent on signing the Jamaican.