IPL: 3 Players Chennai Super Kings regretted releasing

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the joint-most successful team in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), having won five trophies. Ever since the first season of the tournament, CSK have carved out a rich legacy for themselves, having the best talent from across the globe.

Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, Chennai always kept the best talent at their disposal and dominated the tournament like no other team. However, over the years, they have also made a few decisions regarding the release of some players, which they regret:

1. Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood is counted among the best bowlers in the world. He was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the 2020 season for Rs 2 Crore and played 12 matches for the team, scalping 12 wickets. However, he was released by the franchise ahead of 2022 and was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Since then, Hazlewood has helped RCB end their trophy drought, playing a key role in their back-to-back titles with wicket-taking ability in all three phases of the game. Following Hazlewood’s release, CSK have struggled in their pace department, and he definitely feels like a release the franchise would regret.

2. R Sai Kishore

R Sai Kishore was a part of the CSK camp for two seasons after being bought by the franchise for INR 20 Lakh ahead of the 2020 edition. However, he didn’t get a chance to play for the five-time champions and went on to make his IPL debut for Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022. 

The left-arm spinner has since become an integral part of GT, proving to be one of the best Indian spinners in the IPL across the last 2 editions, including a 19-wicket season in 2025.

3. Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi was bought by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the 2018 season for INR 50 lakh. The right-arm speedster was a consistent performer for the ‘Yellow Army’, having taken 25 wickets from 14 innings. He was released by the franchise after 2021 and has since been a part of RCB (2025) and Delhi Capitals (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2026).

Ngidi has made a brilliant comeback to the IPL, being a massive threat in the middle and death overs with his slower balls and variations. He even won a trophy with RCB as a backup pacer and played one fixture against CSK, where he took 3 crucial wickets.