MS Dhoni to become CSK captain for IPL 2026? Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy under scrutiny

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has already started their preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League season (IPL 2026). They are definitely going to make a few signings from the mini auction table. But what about the captaincy? Who will lead the team during IPL 2026? 

As of now, Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain of the multi-time IPL-winning franchise. But is he capable enough to lead CSK from the front? Last season he played only 5 matches before being knocked out of the tournament due to injury. In those five matches, the batter scored 122 runs in 5 innings at an average of 24.40. He smashed two half centuries as well. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required made him one of the most reliable cricketers of the format. 

According to some of the latest claims, the CSK management can take a look at his captaincy as well. It was claimed that Gaikwad's captaincy may have been under scrutiny. But, at this point, who can be considered as the captain in place of Gaikwad? Last season when Ruturaj was out of the campaign due to injury, MS Dhoni again took over the charge and led the team. Though, that did not help the team to recover from the bad patch. 

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Who will be the captain of CSK for IPL 2026?

Chennai Super Kings finished the season as the worst team of the campaign. They accumulated only 8 points from 4 wins in 14 matches. They were the 10th team in the points table of the 10-team tournament. Despite those devastating stats, CSK made some positive moves as well by signing the young players like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis. Which reflected their desire to invest in the young prospect.

As of now, it is unlikely to see MS Dhoni back in the captaincy. But there are chances to see changes in the leadership role. Some of the young prospects from the squad can be handed over the vice captaincy role.