.jpg?type=hq)
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson & Hardik Pandya | PC- AFP
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) somewhat started a new era last season, with Ruturaj Gaikwad not just leading but taking the charge without MS Dhoni from behind the stumps.
The team management made a bold move ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) by trading in Sanju Samson, even though Gaikwad remained the captain for the five-time champions.
CSK not moving on from Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2027
As CSK finished in eighth position on the IPL 2026 points table, there were speculations regarding Ruturaj Gaikwad’s axing from the captaincy position. However, renowned TOI journalist Venkata Krishna B has given a verdict on the captaincy saga.
While shutting down all rumours, the journalist categorically dismissed claims that the CSK management is not discussing a captaincy change whatsoever.
Also Read: Why Is KL Rahul Captaining India vs Sri Lanka? Is Shubman Gill Ruled Out?
“Don’t know where this rumour started, but it is unfortunate that all this talk of Gaikwad refusing to step aside as captain is doing the rounds. To my knowledge, no discussion has taken place with regard to captaincy or Gaikwad,” the journalist posted on X.
CSK ended ties with Stephen Fleming to start an new era
That said, the CSK management has made a massive change to its leadership group. Last month, the five-time champions ended the association with IPL’s most successful, experienced head coach Stephen Fleming, after the side’s shambolic run under him in the last three seasons.
Fleming moved on from his Super Kings family and now joined hands with the ECB to become England's Test head coach. Meanwhile, there is no confirmation whether Fleming’s staff will continue with CSK. Additionally, the Chennai-based franchise has yet to hire a new head coach.
Is CSK trading Hardik Pandya?
Hardik Pandya, MI’s captain, is widely speculated to leave the franchise, which makes him the most desired commodity in the entire IPL ecosystem. If reports are to be believed, all franchises, apart from RCB and SRH, have shown interest in trading the all-rounder.
CSK, DC and KKR were turning out to be the front-runners to acquire the clutch all-rounder, but recent developments hint at Pandya moving to Kolkata for IPL 2027.
There were reports regarding talks between CSK and MI regarding the Hardik Pandya trade, with the former offering Shivam Dube and Tristan Stubbs, or INR 10 crore cash instead of the South African. However, the deal between the two most successful IPL franchises is far from falling through.
Earlier, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanath also played lowball around Pandya's move to Chennai, stating "they have not spoken to anyone".
“We have not spoken to anyone, and all that is being said about Hardik and CSK is untrue,” the CSK CEO had remarked while speaking to Revsportz.
That said, nothing can be ruled out, as the IPL has produced several unimaginable twists over the years.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya In KKR, Shubman Gill Injury And Asia Cup- August 6 Cricket Highlights
