Chennaiyin FC has announced the departure of 11 players as the club begins preparations for the upcoming Indian football season following a disappointing Indian Super League campaign.

The two-time ISL champions confirmed the exits in an Instagram post, thanking the departing players for their contributions.

“Nandri. (thank you). Thank you all for your contributions. All the best for your future!” the club wrote.

The players whose contracts have not been renewed are Mandar Rao Dessai, Alberto Noguera, Gurkirat Singh, Elsinho, Jitendra Singh, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Imran Khan, Inigo Martin, Daniel Chima Chukwu, Laldinlina Reithlei, and Eduardo Kau.

The squad overhaul comes after a difficult season for the Chennai-based side, which endured one of its poorest campaigns in the Indian Super League. Chennaiyin narrowly avoided finishing at the bottom of the table and escaped becoming the first club in ISL history to suffer relegation.

In the shortened league season, Chennaiyin managed just two victories from 13 matches. The club also recorded three draws while losing eight games, leaving it near the foot of the standings.

Mohammedan SC finished at the bottom with three points and was relegated to the Indian Football League, six points behind Chennaiyin, which ended the campaign with nine points.

The release of 11 players signals a significant rebuilding phase for Chennaiyin FC as the club looks to bounce back from last season’s struggles. With several experienced and overseas players departing, the management is expected to reshape the squad in an effort to improve performances and return the club to a more competitive position in the upcoming campaign.

The announcement marks the first major squad update from Chennaiyin ahead of the new season, as the former champions begin preparations with an eye on reversing their fortunes after a challenging year.