Former IPL Winner Urges CSK to Replace Ruturaj Gaikwad with Sanju Samson as Captain

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has proven to be a particularly challenging campaign for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The former IPL champions, renowned for their consistent performance and astute leadership, found themselves on the losing side once again on Monday, succumbing to a decisive five-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium, with an over to spare. In the aftermath of this disheartening loss, the spotlight has intensified on CSK’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who appeared to be a solitary figure as his team faltered.

The Call for Change: Tiwary’s Bold Suggestion

In a significant development, Manoj Tiwary, a former India batter and an IPL champion with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has openly urged CSK to consider a change in captaincy. Speaking to Cricbuzz after the CSK vs SRH encounter, the seasoned cricketer did not mince words, advocating for Gaikwad’s removal and proposing Sanju Samson as the next skipper for the Chennai-based franchise. This suggestion comes at a critical juncture for CSK, as they grapple with inconsistent performances and the immense pressure of living up to the legacy established by their legendary former captain.

Tiwary underscored the magnitude of the task Gaikwad inherited, stating, “One says that Gaikwad needed to fill MS Dhoni’s shoes, but the size of those shoes is very big to fill. He (Gaikwad) has to create his own legacy, and for that to happen, he has to revisit the past and see the places where improvements have to be made. Only then can Chennai continue with the same captain.” This sentiment highlights the dual challenge faced by any successor to an iconic leader: not only performing effectively but also carving out one’s unique identity. Tiwary further emphasized the intrinsic link between a captain’s individual form and their leadership effectiveness, noting, “A leader can be positive and fluent when he is scoring runs, which he isn’t at this moment.” This observation points to Gaikwad’s personal struggles with the bat, which undoubtedly add to the pressure of captaincy.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny

Ruturaj Gaikwad stepped into the monumental role of CSK captain after MS Dhoni’s legendary 244-game run at the helm. With 32 games under his belt as captain, Gaikwad is second on the list of most matches led for CSK. However, his captaincy record so far presents a mixed picture, with 14 wins and 18 losses, translating to a win percentage of 43.75%. While statistics alone do not fully encapsulate a captain’s impact, the current season’s trajectory and the recent loss have brought these numbers into sharper focus.

Adding to the team’s woes and the scrutiny on his leadership, Gaikwad’s individual batting form has also been a concern. In the crucial match against SRH, the 29-year-old opener struggled significantly, managing a paltry 15 runs from 21 balls without hitting any boundaries. Such an innings, particularly from a captain expected to lead from the front, can have a tangible impact on team morale and the momentum of the game. The pressure of captaincy often intertwines with personal performance, and a dip in batting form can amplify the challenges of leadership, creating a difficult cycle for any player.

Sanju Samson: A Viable Alternative?

Manoj Tiwary’s suggestion of Sanju Samson as a potential successor is rooted in Samson’s established leadership experience and his current batting prowess. The former Bengal skipper elaborated, “Samson is in the mix to be the next captain, and it will be a good choice. Ruturaj has been the captain for the past two campaigns, which is why he got the job for a third successive season. It doesn’t matter where they end up this season; the team has to decide about the captaincy ahead of the next season. Sanju can do the job as he has already led Rajasthan before and is also a good batter.”

Samson’s experience leading the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL offers a compelling case. He has demonstrated an ability to captain a franchise, often leading from the front with his aggressive batting style and sharp cricketing acumen. His presence as a wicketkeeper-batsman also adds a strategic dimension, reminiscent of Dhoni’s multifaceted role. The idea of Samson at the helm suggests a shift in leadership approach, potentially bringing a new dynamic and energy to the CSK squad, which appears to be searching for consistency and direction.

CSK’s IPL 2026 Campaign: A Season of Disappointment

The recent defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad underscored CSK’s struggles this season. Despite playing at their home ground, which is typically a fortress for the Super Kings, the team failed to defend their total. SRH’s chase was anchored by significant contributions from Ishan Kishan, who scored a commanding 70, and Heinrich Klaasen, who added a crucial 47 runs, enabling the visiting side to comfortably chase down the target with an over to spare. SRH captain Pat Cummins expressed his satisfaction with the victory, acknowledging the challenging wicket: “Was a satisfying win, not the kind of pace we play our cricket, the wicket was tough to bat on. It was a gutsy effort by Klaasen and Ishan, now that we have qualified, the real test begins now and more hard work needs to be done.”

For CSK, with just one game remaining in their league stage, their playoff aspirations now largely hinge on other results going their way. This precarious position further emphasizes the team’s inconsistent form throughout the season. On the other hand, the losing skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, remained hopeful despite the setback. He reflected on the match and the season, stating, “It was a great game till the end, we lost a few home games. We were better compared to last year and hope to come back in 2027 with a stronger unit.” While a captain’s optimism is crucial, the immediate concerns surrounding performance and leadership cannot be overlooked.

The Weight of Legacy and Future Decisions

The debate surrounding CSK’s captaincy is not merely about individual performance but also about the enduring legacy of a franchise that has been synonymous with success under MS Dhoni. Filling the void left by a generational leader like Dhoni is an unenviable task, and the expectations from fans and management remain exceptionally high. The suggestion of a captaincy change ahead of the next season, irrespective of how the current one concludes, underscores the belief that a fresh perspective might be needed to rejuvenate the team’s fortunes.

The decision facing the CSK management is a critical one. It involves balancing continuity with the necessity for change, assessing the long-term vision for the team, and identifying a leader who can not only deliver on the field but also inspire confidence and rebuild a winning culture. Whether Sanju Samson is indeed the answer, or if CSK opts for another strategy, the discussions initiated by former players like Manoj Tiwary highlight the crucial juncture at which the Chennai Super Kings find themselves, poised to make a decision that could define their trajectory in the coming IPL seasons.