‘CSK captain needs to change’: Sanju Samson backs Ruturaj Gaikwad’s takeover

Sanju Samson (Image credit: IPL) Chennai Super Kings have built their reputation on stability, but the franchise could be forced to make some big calls ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season.The five-time champions have gone through a rough patch, missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Their 2026 campaign has been further complicated by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s struggles with the bat, while the arrival of Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson has sparked debate over whether CSK may consider a change in management.While CSK has traditionally shied away from harsh decisions, former India batsman Sadagoppan Ramesh has now backed Samson to take over the captaincy if the franchise decides to move on from Gaikwad.Samson brings considerable management experience from his stint with Rajasthan Royals. The wicket-keeper batsman, who was named player of the tournament at the T20 World Cup 2026, moved to CSK ahead of IPL 2026 and finished the season as the franchise’s top run-scorer.Ramesh believes these credentials make Samson a serious pick for CSK.“CSK seems to be considering many options for captain and even wondering if a change is needed. Sanju Samson should be considered as captain as he is a fantastic team player. CSK captain needs to change and if so CSK needs to seriously consider Sanju Samson,” Ramesh said on his Instagram.He also pointed to Samson’s IPL captaincy record while stressing that a change of captain alone will not solve all of CSK’s problems.“Samson also managed 66 matches in the IPL and won 33. So he has a 50% success rate. RR did well under him, reached the finals and appeared in the playoffs again. CSK obviously need to change a few other things and just having Sanju as the captain won’t win them the trophy. But if they change the captain at all,” added Sanju.

Gaikwad’s difficult season 2026

Gaikwad’s position came under scrutiny after a disappointing 2026 campaign.The right-hander scored 337 runs at an average of 28.08 and also recorded the lowest strike rate of any batsman during the powerplay. His problems added to the questions surrounding the leadership of ČSK ahead of next season.Ramesh is not the first former CSK player to suggest that Gaikwad could benefit from stepping down as captain.Former CSK and India batsman Subramaniam Badrinath had earlier argued that Gaikwad should be relieved of leadership duties and should concentrate fully on batting.“So once you take him off the captaincy, he will do well as a batsman. It won’t be a tough decision if he is stripped of the captaincy. It’s more beneficial for the player and the franchise. It will only do Gaikwad a world of good. It’s nothing new for him. Even greats like Sachin Tendulkar have been influenced by the captaincy. If you’re someone who’s batted too hard than it’s difficult to bat.” he said on his YouTube channel.CSK itself has several decisions to make before the 2027 season. The franchise is currently searching for a new head coach after Stephen Fleming stepped down earlier this year.There is also uncertainty over MS Dhoni’s future, with it still unclear whether the former India captain will continue to play for CSK in IPL 2027.