Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and MS Dhoni (Source: AP and AFP)
The fact cannot be denied that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remain one of the most celebrated teams in the IPL because of their rich history and loyal fan base.
The five-time champions once again entered IPL 2026 with high expectations, especially after the arrival of Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a blockbuster trade deal worth Rs 18 crore.
Ahead of the start of the IPL 2026, after Sanju Samson’s trade, it was speculated that the ‘Yellow Army’ might appoint him as the captain, replacing Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, CSK backed the Gaikwad and appointed him as the captain for the ongoing season.
With rumours and news still revolving around CSK's captaincy change. This time, ahead of CSK's clash against LSG at Chepauk on May 10, Sanju Samson has finally addressed his take on CSK's captaincy and made his stance very clear.
Sanju Samson opens up on CSK captaincy ambitions
Speaking on the Chennai Super Kings podcast with former India batter Abhinav Mukund, the star player said he never thought about replacing Gaikwad as captain after joining CSK.
According to him, moving to a new franchise was already a major change, and he did not want to come with expectations or demands.
Sanju Samson explained that when a player enters a new environment, the first priority should be to earn the trust of the team and contribute through performance.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer vs Sanju Samson Captaincy Record Comparison: Who Should Replace Suryakumar Yadav?
"No. (whether the thought of becoming the CSK captain entered his head). I already had a team. I already had a place. I wanted to come out of there and join another team. So in that transaction, you can't actually have demands." Sanju Samson said.
"Honestly, you are trying to get in a new home. When you're trying to get into a new home, you don't go there with demands, is what I have learned to be very honest," Samson told Abhinav Mukund in the latest episode of the Super Kings podcast.
Sanju Samson backs Ruturaj Gaikwad, ends speculation over CSK leadership
Apart from rejecting the captaincy talk, Sanju Samson strongly supported the current skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad. He described Gaikwad as a calm and confident leader who does not behave like a typical cricket superstar despite leading one of the biggest IPL franchises.
Samson revealed that Gaikwad personally contacted him and played a major role in convincing him to join CSK.
“Rutu is honestly a very nice, a very different kind of an Indian cricketing superstar. He is a superstar. He is leading one of the biggest franchises. But he doesn't behave like a normal superstar. He may not sound or behave like a confident guy, but I feel he is the most assured and confident cricketer in the Indian cricket circle. Any other person at his level, he just captained a franchise for one year,” said Samson.
“I have done it for another team for five years for another team. So, he suddenly invited me to play on his team. He has immense confidence in himself as a cricketer and as a person to take actions like this. So these types of actions do attract me. Nowadays, people talk a lot like I will do this, I will do that, but more than talk, actions count much more," he added.
It is vital to note that Ruturaj Gaikwad became CSK captain in 2024 but has faced a difficult journey so far. The team narrowly missed the playoffs in his first season and struggled badly in 2025 after his injury.
Sanju Samson's form in IPL 2026 so far
It is important to mention that Samson has had a brilliant season with the bat. The star player had played in 10 innings and made 402 runs at an average of 57.43 and a strike-rate of 167.50.
His campaign includes two centuries and one half-century, and importantly, CSK have won every match in which he has produced a major innings. His consistency at the top order has become crucial for the franchise as the tournament enters its final phase.
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