Former CSK cricketer Suresh Raina has stated that Chennai Super Kings should retain ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. This comes amidst the rumored trade between CSK and Rajasthan Royals (RR), where Jadeja is being traded in return for Sanju Samson.

Jadeja, who joined the team in 2011, established himself as one of the most prominent all-rounders in the game, thanks to the exposure he got at CSK. He won the IPL title thrice in 2018, 2021, and 2023 with CSK.

Ahead of the retention announcement deadline, CSK legend Suresh Raina has issued a stern caution to the franchise against transferring Jadeja to RR.

Suresh Raina highlighted the names of top players he wants CSK to keep and dismiss. Raina made his opinion very clear when he begged the franchise to keep Jadeja at whatever cost.

Among other top stars Raina wants CSK to retain, the top names were Noor Ahmad, MS Dhoni, and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.

"Noor Ahmad should be retained. He's a mystery spinner, so he must be kept. MS Dhoni should definitely be retained; he is playing this year, so he should remain with the team. Ruturaj Gaikwad should continue as captain. Ravindra Jadeja should be retained again. He is a gun player for CSK. He has done really, really well for the team over the years, so 'Sir Ravindra Jadeja' has to be there,” Raina said on JioHotstar.

On the other hand, Raina also revealed the players he wanted CSK to release in the auction and why. He named the likes of Devon Conway, Vijay Shankar, and Deepak Hooda.

"Devon Conway should be released. CSK needs a local opener, which they will look for in the mini-auction. Vijay Shankar has already received plenty of chances. So, I think CSK should release him as well. Deepak Hooda should be released too. There are a lot of players available in the mini-auction who can provide the same combination for the team. These players got their chances last year, and we saw how they played. So, probably CSK will have to look for someone new,” Raina concluded.