Ruturaj Gaikwad will remain Chennai Super Kings captain for IPL 2026, ending week-long whispers that Sanju Samson might take the reins. A short post from the club read, “Lead the way, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad,” and that was that.
Samson, acquired from Rajasthan Royals in a straight swap for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, brings plenty of tactical nous but has been pencilled in to open rather than lead. Those close to the camp say the management see his hitting in the powerplay as a bigger immediate need than a change of skipper.
Gaikwad first stepped up when MS Dhoni handed over before the 2024 season. Results since have been mixed: champions in 2023, fifth the following year, then a grim tenth in 2025. Insiders insist the dressing-room atmosphere remains “calm and focused”, with one senior coach noting Gaikwad’s “measured voice and uncluttered mind”.
CSK’s clear-out to free up auction funds was ruthless. Along with Jadeja and Curran, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Matheesha Pathirana were let go. The purse now sits at INR 43.40 crore, with eight list spots open, four of them overseas.
An overseas all-rounder tops the wish-list. Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell, Liam Livingstone and Cameron Green are all being discussed, though their price tags will test even CSK’s healthy balance. Another quick as cover for Nathan Ellis is also expected.
The auction is on 16 December at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. As ever, CSK fans will watch for smart buys rather than blockbuster splurges, but a marquee signing cannot be ruled out.
