Gaikwad to keep leading CSK in 2026 despite Samson addition as franchise do not intend to have a leadership change.
Gaikwad to continue leading CSK in IPL 2026.
For the 2026 Indian Premier League, Ruturaj Gaikwad will remain captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). “Lead the way, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad,” the franchise tweeted on social media, putting a stop to rumours that Sanju Samson may be the captain.
Samson was acquired by CSK from the Rajasthan Royals in return for Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja. Despite having a wealth of IPL captaincy experience, he will not be the team’s leader. However, it is understood that he will start the innings.
At the beginning of the 2024 Indian Premier League, Gaikwad succeeded MS Dhoni as captain. After winning the IPL in 2023, CSK placed fifth in 2024 and ninth in 2025.
In addition to Jadeja and Curran, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Matheesha Pathirana were also released by CSK. They have a maximum of eight positions, including four abroad slots, and a purse of INR 43.40 crore going into the auction.
They will probably look to replace Curran with an international all-rounder during the auction, which is set for December 16 at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. They can go all out for Andre Russell, Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, or Glenn Maxwell. Additionally, they intend to sign Nathan Ellis’ backup.