CSK Captaincy Candidates If Ruturaj Gaikwad Is Removed After IPL 2026

CSK potential captaincy options if Gaikwad steps down [Source: AFP]It is officially over as the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK side has crashed out of the IPL 2026 playoffs race. The Yellow Army needed to beat the Gujarat Titans to somehow stay alive in the race, but a defeat on Thursday ruined their chances, as CSK once again failed to go past the league stage.A lot of blame for CSK’s dismal performance has to go to their skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad. Under his leadership, the team couldn’t reach the knockouts in 2025, and the repeat telecast happened as CSK once again faltered.A lot of blame for CSK’s dismal performance has to go to their skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad. Under his leadership, the team couldn’t reach the knockouts in 2025, and the repeat telecast happened as CSK once again faltered.Hence, here are the players who can replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK’s next captain after IPL 2026.1) Sanju SamsonThe most logical choice to replace Gaikwad as the next CSK captain, Sanju Samson, has the experience of leading a franchise in the IPL. He was instrumental in Rajasthan Royals’ revival, and also led them to their first IPL final (2022), since the inaugural edition.Tactically, Samson is better than Gaikwad, and he is also a proven IPL leader. Many CSK fans see him as MS Dhoni’s successor in the CSK side, and with Gaikwad not performing (both as captain, and as a batter), the franchise could be tempted to go ahead with Samson as the next CSK skipper.The Super Kings spent a whopping 18 crores to trade the former Rajasthan Royals player ahead of IPL 2026, and there is an assumption that many see him as their future leader. With Gaikwad unable to take CSK to the IPL playoffs, Samson becomes the front-runner for the captaincy role.Also Read: CSK Set To Release These Players After Disastrous IPL 20262) Jamie OvertonTo be a team captain, you need strong leadership skills, and Jamie Overton from England and CSK clearly has them. He sets an example, proudly represents CSK, and has stepped up to help the team reach the playoffs even when key bowlers were missing.The franchise was in crisis early in the IPL season as Nathan Ellis was ruled out of the tournament, and lead pacer, Khaleel Ahmed, too, met with a similar fate as the franchise lost two key bowlers. This is when a true leader stepped in, and Overton became an instant success.He took 14 wickets in 10 IPL matches, and also scored 136 runs, with a strike rate of 158 before getting injured. He led from the front with both bat and ball, and perhaps the franchise needs someone like him, who can marshal the troops and can instill confidence in the side.3) Hardik PandyaA few days back, reports circulated that MI could be interested in releasing Hardik Pandya from the squad as the franchise had a disastrous IPL 2026 season. If it happens, CSK could be the first one to grab him in the next IPL auction.His captaincy stint with the Mumbai Indians has been poor, but Hardik showed his captaincy mettle when playing for the Gujarat Titans. With the Hardik Pandya deal, CSK could get a solid finisher, something which they have been missing this season.He also has a good rapport with MS Dhoni, and that could tempt the CSK management to run after Hardik, if MI somehow releases him.Also Read: Not Virat Kohli! Rajat Patidar Names Ex-RCB Captain Who Helped Him Become Good Leader