Sanju​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Samson missed his chance when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made the announcement of their captain for IPL 2026. Samson, who was traded to CSK before the mini-auction, was generally believed to be the one who would take over the leadership as he had been the captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR) from IPL 2021 to 2025. But CSK made it clear that the captaincy will not be handed over to anyone else, and Ruturaj Gaikwad will still be leading the Yellow Army.

Ruturaj became CSK's new captain before IPL 2024, a change revealed to fans when he attended the captain’s photoshoot in place of MS Dhoni. In IPL 2024, CSK managed to win seven games out of 14 to secure the fifth position in the points table, but they bowed out after their last league-stage match was lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌(RCB).

Ruturaj Gaikwad to continue as CSK Captain; Sanju Samson eyes success in CSK

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Ruturaj’s captaincy in IPL 2025 was limited to just five matches due to injury, with MS Dhoni stepping in during his absence. CSK struggled under these circumstances, finishing last in the points table with only four wins, again falling short against RCB in the final league match.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson enjoyed a successful stint as RR captain since taking over before IPL 2021. RR had a dream run in IPL 2022, reaching their first final since 2008, where they narrowly lost to debutants Gujarat Titans. Under Samson, RR played 67 matches, winning 33 and losing 32.

For IPL 2026, RR will appoint a new captain. Ravindra Jadeja, who joined RR via trade, is a leading contender, having captained CSK in eight matches during IPL 2022. Young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel could also be considered as potential leaders to replace Samson.