The 2025 IPL season was one to forget for CSK and its fans. The five-time IPL champions whose consistency is their strong suit suddenly found themselves at the bottom of the table. It was something even the most loyal fans didn’t expect.
Meanwhile, as the dust settles and focus shifts to the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the big question is, which overseas players should CSK keep? This decision is crucial because the right foreign mix could bring back the team’s identity.
Why are overseas players the backbone of CSK?
Over the years, CSK’s success has always depended on its overseas players. Not just for their talent, but for how well they fit into the team’s culture. From Dwayne Bravo’s finishing to Faf du Plessis’ consistency to Shane Watson’s clutch innings, CSK always picked players who stayed calm under pressure and knew their roles perfectly.
Now with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shivam Dube leading the Indian core, the overseas contingent needs to provide that missing spark- the firepower, the middle-over control, and the late-over brilliance that CSK lacked last season. Let’s be honest, 2025 showed that some of the older combinations simply didn’t click. It’s time to refresh the overseas unit with the right balance of youth and reliability.
Here are three overseas players CSK must hold on to ahead of IPL 2026.
1. Matheesha Pathirana – The Death-Bowling Specialist
Let’s start with the obvious one. Matheesha Pathirana. He is not just a bowler; he’s a weapon. Even though his economy rate of around 10 in 2025 doesn’t look great on paper, anyone who watched CSK’s games knows how crucial his overs were. His slingy, Malinga-style action makes it tough for batters to pick him, and he’s already CSK’s go-to man in crunch moments.
At just 22, Pathirana has the potential to be a long-term investment. CSK has always valued loyalty and development; they like nurturing players who can serve the team for years. Pathirana fits that bill perfectly. If CSK is serious about rebuilding, there’s no way they let him go. He’s the future of their death bowling.
2025 Price: INR 13 Crore
Retention Chance: Very High
2. Noor Ahmad – The Mystery Spinner
If Pathirana handled the death overs, Noor Ahmad owned the middle ones. The Afghan youngster was one of the few bright spots in CSK’s tough season. His 24 wickets in 14 matches tell you how reliable he was. More than the numbers, it was his calmness and control that stood out.
Chepauk’s slow, turning track suits Noor perfectly. He doesn’t get flustered even when batters try to go after him, and his variations often create pressure from one end. CSK has always loved spinners who can bowl in the middle overs without fear, from Jadeja to Moeen Ali, and Noor seems like the natural continuation of that tradition.
He is young, fearless, and fits the CSK DNA. Retaining him means you secure your spin department for the next few years.
2025 Price: INR 10 Crore
Retention Chance: High
Read More: Venkatesh Iyer to Chetan Sakariya: Five Players KKR can release ahead of IPL 2026 auction
3. Dewald Brevis – The Spark in the Middle Order
CSK struggled badly in the middle overs last season. The tempo often dropped after the power play, and finishing games became a problem. Enter Dewald Brevis, or as fans like to call him, Baby AB. He joined CSK midway through the season and immediately brought energy and aggression to the batting department.
With 225 runs in just 6 matches and a strike rate of 180, Brevis showed why he’s considered one of the brightest young batters in the world. What makes him special is his fearless approach; he doesn’t overthink situations; he just plays instinctively. That’s exactly the kind of freedom CSK’s middle order has been missing.
Plus, at a modest price, he’s a bargain. If nurtured properly under Ruturaj’s leadership and the CSK environment, Brevis could easily turn into their next big overseas superstar.
2025 Price: INR 2.2 Crore (Replacement Signing)
Retention Chance: High
