Watch: “Samson captaining…”- Ravichandran Ashwin drops bombshell on CSK captaincy ahead of SRH clash in IPL 2026

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for the last few years, have been trying their best to find the leading successor of MS Dhoni, who has come to the fag end of his cricketing career. They tried Ravindra Jadeja in the past, but that plan didn’t work out before Dhoni returned to his position and won the title in 2025. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed the leader of the side in the last season before he got injured. In Dhoni’s absence due to injury, this year, Gaikwad has taken on the responsibility on his shoulders during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as they recently won two successive games, having lost three on the trot.

Ravichandran Ashwin predicts Sanju Samson captaining CSK

For the 2026 season, the Super Kings, who generally show massive trust in their players, decided to trade Jadeja with Sanju Samson in the squad. The Kerala-born has already celebrated a century in this year’s IPL against the Delhi Capitals.

Meanwhile, Gaikwad’s form with the bat has dropped terribly in this edition, which could be the result of the captaincy pressure. The former spin all-rounder of the franchise believes that Samson could lead the side in the future at some stage.

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“I can tell you something that I do see Sanju captaining CSK at some stage. Don’t know when, but I don't see that happening. Whether we agree or not, a lot of things happen on the respective. But one thing I would not want to risk upon is or don’t want for Sanju, because I am a serious well-wisher of his, is him stepping into anybody’s shoes.” Ashwin expressed on ESPNcricinfo.

“You don’t have to step into anybody’s legacy. We don’t necessarily need to live up like that or even play like that. He has his own unique clothing, which he lives in. And I want to see his own imprint on it.” He added.

Gaikwad and Samson’s conflicting IPL 2026 campaign

Samson, after a tough start in the IPL 2026, has stood up with two strong performances, having collected 185 runs in five innings at an average of 46.25 and a strike rate of 172.89 with one century. On the other hand, his opening partner, Ruturaj Gaikwad, has amassed only 63 runs in five innings at 12.60 and a strike rate of 105 at the best score of 28.

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The question raised whether the management gets the confidence to keep Gaikwad the leader or decides to hand it over to Samson in the next edition. It was always on the cards when the trade took place successfully.

CSK, however, prepares itself for the upcoming encounter against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.